Recurrent Catamenial Pneumothorax After Multiple Chest Tube Placements, Pleurodesis and Vats

Abstract

Catamenial pneumothorax is characterized by spontaneous pneumothorax occurring 72 hours before or after onset of menstruation in a reproductive aged woman. It is an extremely rare condition, and although generally thought to be due to abnormal migration of endometrial tissue to the pleural space, the mechanism of this migration is unclear. We present a case of recurrent catamenial pneumothorax after chest tube placements, pleurodesis and videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).