[Catamenial pneumothorax - case reports and literature review].

AIM: Catamenial pneumothorax is menstrual cycle dependent and represents the most common form of thoracic endometriosis syndrome. Recurrences are very common even after surgical resection.

DESIGN: Case reports and literature overview.

SETTING: Department of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Surgery I, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Palacky University, Olomouc.

CASE REPORT: Two cases of catamenial pneumothorax are presented with repeated recurrences of right-sided pneumothorax even after surgical treatment. Histopathologic finding of pelvic endometriosis was shown in both patients.

CONCLUSION: Catamenial pneumothorax is usually connected with thoracic endometriosis and also includes catamenial hemothorax, recurrent catamenial hemoptysis, catamenial pleural pain as well as endometriosis lung nodules. Multidisciplinary approach including pneumologist, thoracic surgeon and gynecologist with early postoperative hormonal treatment that deals with the main chronic systemic disease may lead to improved results, mainly reduced recurrence rates of catamenial and/or endometriosis related pneumothorax.