Case analysis reveals catamenial pneumothorax links to thoracic endometriosis, suggesting multidisciplinary intervention.
Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is an uncommon condition marked by recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in women, typically occurring within the first 72 hours of menstruation. It is also the most prevalent manifestation of thoracic endometriosis syndrome. Although the exact pathophysiology of CP remains unclear, several hypotheses have been suggested. Despite its rarity, CP should be suspected in women presenting with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, particularly if episodes align with menstrual cycles. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management involving thoracic surgeons and gynecologists are essential for optimizing outcomes. This case highlights the importance of considering CP as a differential diagnosis in female patients with recurrent pneumothorax and reinforces the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and hormonal therapy in management.
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Ong et al. (2025) studied this question.
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