[Pleural endometriosis: an unusual presentation].
BACKGROUND
Numerous conditions can produce chronic exudative pleural effusions. Pleural endometriosis is a rare cause of unilateral effusion with diffuse pleural thickening.


METHODS
We report the case of chronic pleural effusion in a thirty year old African woman, where pleural endometriosis was diagnosed only following pleuro-pulmonary decortication, with the diagnosis being confirmed by immunohistochemistry.


CONCLUSIONS
Pleural endometriosis must be considered as a possible diagnosis in women with pleural effusions of unknown aetiology. The presence of endometrial glands or of chorionic cells within the pleura is characteristic. Immunohistochemistry is an important diagnostic tool.
Baram
A
A
Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Université Paris 5, France.
Bagan
P
P
Danel
C
C
Badia
A
A
Riquet
M
M
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome