# Whispers of the Lungs: Unraveling the Mystery of Catamenial Pneumothorax

**Authors:** Mang Ning Ong, Kean Leong Koay, Ananbabu Palaniappan, Muhammad Ishamuddin Ismail, Mohd Ramzisham Abdul Rahman

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94210 · Cureus · 2025-10-09

## TL;DR

Catamenial pneumothorax is a rare lung condition in women linked to their menstrual cycle, requiring early diagnosis and combined treatment.

## Contribution

Highlights CP as a key manifestation of thoracic endometriosis and emphasizes multidisciplinary management.

## Key findings

- CP is a rare but important cause of recurrent pneumothorax in women.
- Symptoms often correlate with the menstrual cycle.
- Treatment involves thoracoscopic surgery and hormonal therapy.

## Abstract

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is an uncommon condition marked by recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in women, typically occurring within the first 72 hours of menstruation. It is also the most prevalent manifestation of thoracic endometriosis syndrome. Although the exact pathophysiology of CP remains unclear, several hypotheses have been suggested. Despite its rarity, CP should be suspected in women presenting with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, particularly if episodes align with menstrual cycles. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management involving thoracic surgeons and gynecologists are essential for optimizing outcomes. This case highlights the importance of considering CP as a differential diagnosis in female patients with recurrent pneumothorax and reinforces the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and hormonal therapy in management.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** catamenial pneumothorax (MONDO:0022098)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** CP (MESH:C538279), thoracic endometriosis syndrome (MESH:D004715), pneumothorax (MESH:D011030)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596221/full.md

## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596221/full.md

## References

10 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596221/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12596221