A case of catamenial pneumothorax with diaphragmatic fenestrations.
BACKGROUND
Considerable controversy exists with regards to the physiopathogenesis of catamenial pneumothorax. The rarity of catamenial pneumothorax makes understanding of its pathophysiology and verification of etiological mechanisms difficult.


OBJECTIVE
To contribute evidence to the knowledge base on the pathogenesis of catamenial pneumothorax.


METHODS
We describe a case of catamenial pneumothorax with images that substantiate the pore hypothesis as a cause of recurrence of air in the pleural cavity in this patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Our case report contributes evidence that transperitoneal migration of endometrial implants may occur through diaphragmatic fenestrations. Surgical options may be more viable to prevent recurrent pneumothoraces in such patients.
Makhija
Zeena
Z
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom. profknow171@yahoo.com
Marrinan
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence