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Recurrent pneumothorax associated with thoracic endometriosis
M Alifano1, N Vénissac, J Mouroux
1Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, H#244;pital Pasteur, Pavillon H, C.H.U de Nice, 30 Avenue de la voie Romaine-BP 69, 06002 Nice, Cedex 1, France.
Surgical Endoscopy
|April 6, 2001
Summary
Recurrent pneumothorax in women can be caused by endometriosis. Surgical treatment involving resection of implants and pleural abrasion led to a favorable outcome in a 46-year-old patient.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Pelvic endometriosis can present with rare thoracic manifestations.
- Recurrent pneumothorax is a potential, albeit uncommon, complication.
- Hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy is a standard treatment for severe endometriosis.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman experienced recurrent right pneumothorax post-hysterectomy for endometriosis.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopy identified endometrial implants on the posterior parietal pleura and middle lobe.
- Ruptured apical blebs were also noted during the thoracoscopic examination.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of endometrial implants in the middle lobe and apical blebs was performed.
- A partial pleurectomy was utilized to excise endometrial foci from the parietal pleura.
- Mechanical abrasion of the remaining pleural surface was conducted to prevent recurrence.
Implications:
- This case highlights endometriosis as a cause of recurrent catamenial pneumothorax.
- Surgical management, including resection and pleural abrasion, can be effective.
- Further research into the mechanisms of thoracic endometriosis is warranted.