Results of treatment for catamenial pneumothorax since the introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a systematic review

Catamenial pneumothorax is an uncommon form of pneumothorax in women of reproductive age (1); it is strongly related to endometriosis and menses. Diaphragmatic changes, such as holes or endometrial implants, were features in patients with catamenial pneumothorax (2). Endometriosis of the visceral pleura was sometimes observed (2,3). Although some theories have been suggested, the etiology is not known in detail. Treatment was difficult because patients with catamenial pneumothorax have frequent recurrences (2). Optimal treatments for catamenial pneumothorax have not been conclusively confirmed. We need to understand the etiology or pathophysiology of the disease to resolve these problems, including recurrences in patients with catamenial pneumothorax. For that reason, the report by Bricelj et al. (1) is very important, and focusing on the period after the introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is informative.