Catamenial pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an accumulation of air or gas in the pleural space. This may occur either spontaneously or as a result of disease or injury. The term "catamenial" is derived from the Greek meaning "monthly". Catamenial pneumothorax is a rare complication of endometriosis. A patient with a history of endometriosis presented to the accident and emergency department with increased abdominal pain, shortness of breath and wheeze. She was subsequently found to have a right-sided pneumothorax which was initially aspirated. However, the pneumothorax recurred and required chest drain insertion and admission to a medical ward. Further recovery was uneventful. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion of catamenial pneumothorax in patients with a history of endometriosis.
Simpson
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Accident and Emergency Department, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK. antheasimpson@nhs.net
Skelly
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D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence