Diaphragmatic patch: a useful adjunct in surgical treatment of recurrent catamenial hemothorax

Although catamenial hemothorax compared to pneumothorax is a rarer clinical presentation of thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES), it is more commonly associated with diaphragmatic fenestrations. These openings may serve as entry portals for peritoneal fluid to access into the pleural space thereby perpetuating recurrent pleural effusion even after prior surgical pleurodesis. We report our experience with two patients with recurrent right catamenial hemothorax after previous interventions that were subsequently treated by talc pleurodesis and goretex diaphragmatic patch, and who have had no further recurrence at a mean follow up of 15 months. We therefore recommend that diaphragmatic patch should be considered as an adjunct to talc pleurodesis in patients with recurrent catamenial hemothorax when either multiple diaphragmatic fenestrations are seen at surgery or if there is concomitant bloody peritoneal fluid which could potentially lead to recurrence. The patch by sealing any occult pores and possible future fenestrations appear to decrease recurrent pleural effusion at an intermediate term follow up.