Thoracic endometriosis syndrome.
Areti Augoulea1, Irene Lambrinoudaki, George Christodoulakos
12nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|July 12, 2007
Summary
Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare condition where endometrial tissue grows in the chest, causing symptoms like coughing up blood. Diagnosis relies on cyclical symptoms matching the menstrual cycle, and treatment involves hormone therapy or surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Pulmonology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Endometriosis involves endometrial tissue outside the uterus, typically in the pelvis.
- Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare manifestation affecting the pleura, lung parenchyma, and airways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES).
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on characteristic cyclical symptoms correlating with the menstrual cycle.
- Imaging (CT) and endoscopy lack specificity for TES.
- Diagnosis is often one of exclusion.
Main Results:
- TES can manifest as hemoptysis, spontaneous pneumothorax, or hemothorax.
- Symptoms are typically long-standing and occur in reproductive-age, often nulliparous patients.
- Cyclical symptom occurrence is a key diagnostic feature.
Conclusions:
- TES requires a high index of suspicion and clinical diagnosis.
- Treatment involves gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues to suppress the reproductive axis.
- Surgical resection may be considered if medical treatment fails, but relapse rates can be high.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
01:15Thoracic Aorta
The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...