title: Catamenial pneumothorax, clinical manifestations--a multidisciplinary challenge.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pleural endometriosis is a rare condition. Spontaneous, recurring pneumothorax occurring during menstruation, referred to as catamenial pneumothorax, is associated with pleural endometriosis. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for a successful result.
  
  
  METHODS
  During the last five years (2005-2010), we have treated six patients with menstruation related pneumothorax at Oslo University Hospital. The surgical treatment was performed by the thoracic surgery department but the medical follow-up was carried out by the gynecological and pulmonary medicine departments.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We report three of the patients treated. All three patients were premenopausal, aged 19-36, and had recurring, menstruation related, spontaneous pneumothorax, predominantly on the right side. The condition was treated by various surgical approaches, including chest tube drainage, video assisted thoracic surgery, chemical pleurodeses and thoracotomy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Spontaneous, recurring pneumothorax in women with no previous history of endometriosis can be the first manifestation of pleural endometriosis. The disorder requires surgical intervention, but early diagnosis and postoperative hormonal therapy are just as important for a successful outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Ulleval HF,Kirkeveien 166, 0407 Oslo Norway. petermajak@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Majak
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Langebrekke
authors.forename: Ole Magnus
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Hagen
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Qvigstad
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000150:complications*; D009664:Norway; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D055815:Young Adult