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[Recurrent hemothorax due to pleural endometriosis]
P Bombaron1, E Laënnec, B Guibert
1Service de Pneumologie, CH St-Joseph et St-Luc, Lyon.
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Recurrent hemothorax in women can be a rare manifestation of endometriosis. This case highlights that while Gn-RH analogue treatment may fail, surgical pleurodesis can be an effective treatment for pleural endometriosis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
- Gynecologic Pathology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus.
- Pleural endometriosis is an extremely rare extrapelvic manifestation.
- Recurrent hemothorax is an uncommon presentation of pleural endometriosis.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old woman presented with recurrent hemothorax coinciding with menstruation.
- Pleural biopsy confirmed the presence of endometriosis in the pleura.
- Medical management with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) analogue was unsuccessful.
Findings:
- The patient's recurrent hemothorax was diagnosed as pleural endometriosis.
- Failure of medical treatment with Gn-RH analogue therapy.
- Successful resolution achieved through surgical pleurodesis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering endometriosis in women with cyclical respiratory symptoms.
- Highlights the limitations of medical management for pleural endometriosis.
- Emphasizes surgical pleurodesis as a viable therapeutic option for refractory cases.