Pleural Endometriosis: An Atypical Cause of Hemoptysis
Ilya Sakharuk1, Peter Drevets1, Philip Coffey1
1Department of Surgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
Abstract:
Endometriosis is a benign, inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of dysfunctional endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Typically confined to the pelvis, endometriosis is frequently associated with pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Rarely, endometrial tissue has been documented to implant within the lung parenchyma and involve both parietal and visceral pleura of the thorax. Manifestations of thoracic endometriosis include catamenial pneumothorax, hemothorax, and hemoptysis. We present a case of thoracic endometriosis in a 43-year-old female who was found to have a loculated pleural effusion with an associated pleural nodule after gynecologic surgery. The patient underwent thoracotomy, decortication, and nodule excision. Pathology of the pleural nodule showed evidence of endometrial tissue within the parietal pleural. Thoracic endometriosis is a medical problem that is frequently undiagnosed and encountered by the practicing surgeon. Early diagnosis reduces both disease progression and late complications, allowing for early initiation of appropriate medical and surgical therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care


