Catamenial pneumothorax associated with multiple diaphragmatic perforations and pneumoperitoneum in a reproductive woman

Abstract

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is considered to be an extremely rare entity, characterized by recurrent pneumothorax occurring between the day before and within 72 hours after the onset of menses, usually in the right-side thorax cavity in women of reproductive age.The etiology remains obscure. We report a rare case of CP complicated with multiple diaphragmatic perforations as the only thoracoscopy finding, and also with right-side isolated pneumoperitoneum confirmed by a chest X-ray. This case strongly supports the hypothesis that CP may be caused by the air through the perforations of the diaphragm.

Keywords

• catamenial pneumothorax
• diaphragmatic perforations
• pneumoperitoneum