Thoracic Endometriosis

Endometriosis refers to the presence of endometrial-like tissue (stroma and glands) outside of the uterine cavity. When endometrial tissue deposits in the thoracic cavity, it results in a condition termed thoracic endometriosis (TE). It is estimated that 10% of women of reproductive age have endometriosis. The thoracic cavity is the most common location for extra abdominopelvic endometriosis. Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is the most common manifestation of TE and accounts for up to one-third of spontaneous pneumothorax occurring in women of reproductive age. Other less common manifestations include hemoptysis, hemothorax, catamenial chest pain, and lung nodules. The chapter is a brief discussion of the clinical features and management of thoracic endometriosis.