Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome Research Articles

565 Robot-Assisted Surgery for Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome – a Single-Centre, Retrospective Review of the First Fifty Cases

Abstract Aim Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is underdiagnosed, due to cyclical thoracic symptoms being underreported. Management of TES also remains controversial, with abdominal and thoracic approaches proposed, both laparoscopically and robotically, and no guidelines available. We aimed to characterise our experience with a multidisciplinary, robot-assisted approach, with a focus on symptom prevalence and surgical outcomes. Method A retrospective review of all consecutive procedures for TES between July 2020 and March 2023 surgery was performed. Robot-assisted removal of endometriosis from the underside of the diaphragm, from the pleura or superior diaphragm, or wedge resection of the lung through videoscope-assisted thoracic surgery, in any combination with or without pelvic endometriosis removal, were included. Presenting symptoms, intra-operative, and histological outcomes were analysed. Results Fifty robotic TES procedures, on forty-six patients were undertaken; median age was 32 (IQR 26–36). Cyclical shoulder tip pain (n = 29, 63%), costal margin pain (n=18, 39.1%), and scapular pain (n=11, 23.9%). There were no major Clavien-Dindo complications. Median blood loss was 10ml (IQR 6.25–27.25), and median length of stay was 1 day (IQR 1–2 ). The majority of the underside of the diaphragm specimen (n=35, 77.8%), and the pleural, and lung specimens (n=17, 85%) were either histologically positive for endometriosis or showed inflammation consistent with endometriosis. Conclusions Robotic-assisted surgery can be safely used for TES. Management of TES should involve an MDT including gynaecologic, hepato-pancreatico-billary, and thoracic surgeons, with minimally invasive experience. Going forward, long-term, patient-reported outcomes need to be analysed to ensure the effectiveness of robot-assisted surgery in TES.

Beyond the surface: endocrinological implications of thoracic endometriosis syndrome

Beyond the surface: endocrinological implications of thoracic endometriosis syndrome

Thoracic Endometriosis Detected During Medical Thoracoscopy in a Tertiary Care Setting - A Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Thoracic endometriosis is a very rare clinical situation mostly presenting with pleural diseases, that is often misdiagnosed or missed due to the lack of specific clinical features. This report aims to explore the clinical characteristics, thoracoscopic findings, histopathology, treatment, and prognosis of women with thoracic endometriosis, providing a reference for the diagnosis and management of thoracic endometriosis. Design/Methods: Clinical data of 3 patients diagnosed with pleural endometriosis from among 50 consecutive thoracoscopic procedures conducted in a tertiary care hospital in North Kerala were analysed from electronic hospital records. The clinical features, thoracoscopic findings, histopathological features, treatment process, and prognosis were summarized. Results: Among the 3 female patients with pleural endometriosis, there were 2 cases of catamenial pneumothorax and one case of catamenial haemothorax. The age ranged from 43 years to 44 years. All the 3 cases were diagnosed by thoracoscopic pleural biopsy. Conclusions: Thoracic endometriosis syndrome is extremely rare, and clinical diagnosis is always missed or delayed due to nonspecific symptoms. Diagnosis mainly relies on pathological findings and immunohistochemical detection. Most cases were managed conservatively with hormonal therapy or by inducing surgical menopause.

Catamenial pneumothorax in thoracic endometriosis syndrome.

Catamenial pneumothorax in thoracic endometriosis syndrome.

A surgical series on endometriosis-related diaphragmatic hernia.

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome gives rise to various clinical and radiological manifestations. We reviewed the records of patients operated for intrathoracic migration of abdominal viscera through a diaphragmatic hernia secondary to thoracic endometriosis. We retrospectively reviewed the single-center prospective collected database of all patients operated for thoracic endometriosis during the twenty years. All cases in which an abdominal organ was found to be herniated into the thoracic cavity were retrieved. Clinical and pathological data are presented and analyzed. Twenty women of median age 36 (range 25-58) years were operated for endometriosis-related diaphragmatic hernia. The hernia was diagnosed concomitantly with endometriosis-related pneumothorax in 13 cases and during the exploration of catamenial thoracic pain in seven cases. There were 18 cases on the right side and two cases on the left side. The median diameter of the hernia was 8cm (2.5-20cm). In seventeen cases, the hernia was repaired by direct suture, and in three cases a heterologous prosthesis was positioned. At follow-up, two patients had an episode of recurrent pneumothorax. Diaphragmatic hernia should be ruled out in the presence of endometriosis-related pneumothorax or catamenial thoracic pain. Surgery is indicated to make a pathological diagnosis, restore anatomy, and prevent recurrence in patients presenting with pneumothorax.

Evaluation of the Outcome of Interventions for Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome at a Tertiary Level Health Institution in Southern Nigeria

Background: Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES) is a clinical condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the thoracic cavity, catamenial pneumothorax, catamenial haemothorax, catamenial haemopneumothorax, catamenial haemoptysis and or endometrial nodular lung mass. The management can be challenging as treatment is fraught with recurrence.
 Aim: To evaluate the outcome of interventions for Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome.
 Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 14 patients with thoracic endometriosis syndrome who were managed at the university of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between August 1, 2017, and July 31, 2023. A proforma was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, type of intervention and evidence of recurrence of chest symptoms and entered into a spread sheet. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 28. Results are presented as frequency tables and percentages.
 Results: The age of the patients ranged between 20 and 44 years. Of the 14 patients, 11 (78.6%) were married, and 3 (21.4%) of the patients had established abdominal endometriosis with symptoms of thoracic endometriosis, while 4 (28.6%) had a histologic diagnosis of thoracic endometriosis. Pneumothorax was observed in 9 (64.23%) patients, 3 (21.43%) had haemopneumothorax, 2 (14.29%) with cyclical haemoptysis and haemothorax, and 4 (28.57%) of the patients had thoracic endometriotic nodules, while all the married patients had primary infertility. Twelve (85.7%) of the patients had closed tube thoracostomy drainage (CTTD) with chemical pleurodesis, while 4 (28.6%) had thoracotomy, decortication, bleb, and nodules resection with chemical pleurodesis. All the patients had hormonal therapy using luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues. There was recurrence in 2 (14.3%) of the patients after a one-to-six-year period of follow-up.
 Conclusion: The treatment of TES using CTTD with pleurodesis, thoracostomy, decortication, bleb resection and or hormonal therapy with appropriate patient selection is effective as only two cases of recurrences were recorded.

Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome: a case series and review of literature

Background: The presence of endometrial tissue in the tracheobronchial tree, pleural, and lung is normally referred to as thoracic endometriosis. The association of catamenial pneumothorax, catamenial haemothorax, catamenial haemoptysis and pulmonary nodules is referred to as thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES). TES is rare but not as rare as it has always been thought of.
 Case summaries:
 Case 1: We present EA, a 26-year-old chef/baker who presented to our unit on account of recurrent cyclical right sided chest pain and difficulty in breathing, recurrent haemoptysis and cyclical abdominal pain and swelling with multiple tender umbilical nodules. On general physical examination she was found to be in respiratory distress but not cyanosed with peripheral arterial oxygen saturation 97% on room air. Examination of the chest revealed a right sided chest fullness and reduced movement with breathing. Percussion note was stony dull and absent of breath sound on right hemithorax. Abdominal examination revealed a moderately distended abdomen with positive fluid thrill. Both Pleurocentesis (thoracocentesis) and paracentesis abdominis yielded a haemorrhagic fluid acellular and pleural and lung biopsy demonstrated endometrial stroma and glands. Imaging examination by way of chest X-ray showed a homogenous opacity of the right hemithorax, and pulmonary nodule following drainage. A diagnosis of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome was made. She had VAT with lung and pleural biopsy, pleural abrasion and a thoracostomy tube drainage.
 Case 2: We present IAE, a 29year-old Po+0 who presented to our unit on account of recurrent cyclical right sided chest pain and difficulty in breathing, unproductive cough. On general physical examination she was found to be in moderate respiratory distress but not cyanosed with peripheral arterial oxygen saturation of 98% on room air. Chest examination revealed an apical flattering of anterior chest wall with left trachea deviation. Percussion note was stony dull on the right lower third and hyper resonance middle and upper zones of right hemithorax. Pleurocentesis (thoracocentesis) yielded air and haemorrhagic fluid acellular and pleural and lung biopsies demonstrated endometrial stroma and glands. Imaging examination by way of chest X-ray and chest CT-scan showed air fluid level of the right hemithorax. A diagnosis of TES was made. She had Laparoscopy and VAT at the same sitting with pleural and lung biopsies. She was managed medically after closed thoracostomy tube drainage. She had partial collapse of right lower lobe and thoracotomy with right lower lobectomy was planned but patient declined. She also had Stage IV endometriosis by (rASRM)/ENZIAN systems
 Case 3: We present JA a 29-year-old lady, a filling station attendant who presented to our unit with a history of gradual onset of right sided chest pain, progressive difficulty in breathing and non-productive cough, and abdominal pain and swelling. On general physical examination she was found to be in respiratory distress but not cyanosed with SPO2 of 98% on room air. Examination of the chest revealed a right apical flattening, reduced ipsilateral chest movement with breathing. Percussion notes were stony dull and absent air entry on the ipsilateral hemithorax. Abdominal examination showed a mildly distended abdomen with a positive shifting dullness. Both Pleurocentesis (thoracocentesis) and paracentesis abdominis yielded a haemorrhagic fluid acellular at cytology and pleural and lung biopsy demonstrated endometrial stroma and gland. Imaging examination by way of chest X-ray showed a homogenous opacity of the right hemithorax. A diagnosis of Familial Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (FTES). Had USS guided lung and pleural biopsy and a thoracostomy tube drainage. She had chemical pleurodesis with tetracycline
 Conclusion: Thoracic endometriosis syndrome is the diagnosis in a lady of reproductive age who present with cyclic or a cyclical recurrent right sided chest pain, cyclical or a cyclical dyspnoea, haemoptysis, cyclical or a cyclical abdominal swelling and peritonitis.

Endometriosis presents with massive hemorrhagic ascites and catamenial hemopneumothorax

Background: Endometriosis is an inflammatory disorder in women of reproductive age where endometrial cells grow outside the uterus. Although its pathogenesis is complex and not fully understood, it’s believed to stem from a combination of factors including congenital predisposition, environmental influences, epigenetic alterations, autoimmune responses, and allergic tendencies [1]. In rare cases, it can result in hemorrhagic ascites or even thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES), where endometrial tissue is in the thorax, potentially causing catamenial pneumothorax and catamenial hemothorax. We report a case of a 32-year-old African American woman with both hemorrhagic ascites and hemopneumothorax.

Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES) in Martinique, a French West Indies Island.

Endometriosis is a female disease that affects 5-10% of women of childbearing age, with predominantly pelvic manifestations. It is currently declared as a public health priority in France. Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is the most common extra-pelvic manifestation. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with TES in Martinique. We performed a descriptive, retrospective study including all patients managed at the University Hospital of Martinique for TES between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2020. During the study period, we identified 479 cases of pneumothorax, of which 212 were women (44%). Sixty-three patients (30% of all female pneumothorax) were catamenial pneumothorax (CP) including 49 pneumothoraxes alone (78% of catamenial pneumothorax) and 14 hemopneumothorax (22% of catamenial pneumothorax). There were 71 cases of TES, including 49 pneumothoraxes (69%), 14 hemopneumothoraxes (20%) and 8 hemothorax (11%). The annual incidence of TES was 1.1 cases/100,000 inhabitants. The prevalence of TES was 1.2/1000 women aged from 15 to 45 years and the annual incidence of TES for this group was 6.9/100,000. The annual incidence of CP was 1 case/100,000 inhabitants. The average age at diagnosis was 36 ± 6 years. Eight patients (11%) had no prior diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis (PE). The mean age at pelvic endometriosis diagnosis was 29 ± 6 years. The mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 24 ± 50 weeks, and 53 ± 123 days from diagnosis to surgery. Thirty-two patients (47%) had prior abdominopelvic surgery. Seventeen patients (24%) presented other extra-pelvic localizations. When it came to management, 69/71 patients (97%) underwent surgery. Diaphragmatic nodules or perforations were found in 68/69 patients (98.5%). Histological confirmation was obtained in 55/65 patients who underwent resection (84.6%). Forty-four patients (62%) experienced recurrence. The mean time from the initial treatment to recurrence was 20 ± 33 months. The recurrence rate was 16/19 (84.2%) in patients who received medical therapy only, 11/17 (64.7%) in patients treated by surgery alone, and 17/31 (51.8%) in patients treated with surgery and medical therapy (p = 0.03). We observed a very high incidence of TES in Martinique. The factors associated with this high incidence in this specific geographical area remain to be elucidated. The frequency of recurrence was lower in patients who received both hormone therapy and surgery.

Diagnosis and management of thoracic endometriosis syndrome: Case report

Introduction: While the diagnosis of endometriosis is relatively common, thoracic endometriosis is a rare manifestation. Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES) most commonly presents with pneumothorax, 3% which are bilateral, making this case unique in the already limited breadth of TES with catamenial hemopneumothorax. Additionally, this patient had laboratory values constant with ovarian suppression yet continued menses and recurrent hemopneumothorax, necessitating surgical intervention. We propose that with this severity of disease a combination of surgical intervention and hormonal therapy is the ideal approach, providing the lowest rate of recurrence. Case description: A 33 year old woman with 2-day history of chest pain and shortness of breath with heavy menstrual cycles and significant dysmenorrhea. A chest radiograph and computed tomography scan revealed right-sided pneumothorax and bilateral hemothoraces with left-sided diaphragmatic hernia. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery confirmed sanguinous pleural effusions and biopsy proven endometriotic lesions. The patient was started on a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and experienced short-interval recurrence of her symptoms. An aromatase inhibitor was added to her regimen and she underwent a left diaphragmatic hernia repair. Conclusions: The recurrence of symptoms despite complete hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis suppression, in addition to the surgical requirements and findings make this case unique in the already limited breadth of thoracic endometriosis syndrome with catamenial hemopneumothorax.

A COMPLICATED CASE OF THORACIC ENDOMETRIOSIS WITH CATAMENIAL HEMOTHORAX AND CONCOMITANT PULMONARY EMBOLISM

A COMPLICATED CASE OF THORACIC ENDOMETRIOSIS WITH CATAMENIAL HEMOTHORAX AND CONCOMITANT PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Catamenial Pneumothorax as the First Expression of Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome and Pelvic Endometriosis

Objective: The menstrual-related catamenial pneumothorax (CP) can be the first expression of thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES), which is the presence of endometriotic lesions in the lungs and pleura, and pelvic endometriosis (PE). This study aims to analyze our experience with this specific correlation describing our multidisciplinary approach to CP. Methods: Hospital records of 32 women, operated for CP at our Department from January 2001 to December 2021 were reviewed. Surgical treatment consisted of videothoracoscopy and laparoscopy when indicated. Results: TES and PE were diagnosed in 13 (40.6%) and 12 (37.5%) women, respectively. The association of TES and PE was present in 11 cases (34%). Fifteen patients (46.9%) underwent laparoscopy, of which 11 concurrently with videothoracoscopy. Most of the patients affected had stage III–IV endometriosis (40.6%). All patients received hormonal therapy after surgery. Five patients with PE conceived spontaneously resulting in six live births. The mean follow-up was 117 ± 71 months (range 8–244). Pneumothorax recurrence occurred in six patients (18.8%). At present, all women are asymptomatic, with no sign of pneumothorax recurrence. Conclusions: CP might be the first expression of TES and/or PE. A multidisciplinary approach is advocated for optimal management of the disease.

A Case Report of Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax Secondary to Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome

Endometriosis is a benign condition in which ectopic endometrial glands and stroma are present outside of the uterine cavity. It commonly affects the pelvic organs but can also spread throughout the entirety of the body, including the thoracic cavity. The ectopic presence of endometrial glands and stroma in lung or pleura can produce a range of clinical and radiological manifestations – catamenial pneumothorax, catemenial hemothorax, catamenial hemoptysis, and pulmonary nodules – collectively referred to as “thoracic endometrial syndrome.” Thoracic endometriosis constitutes an uncommon cause of spontaneous pneumothorax in nonsmoking women of childbearing age. Symptoms are often non-specific and the diagnosis is often delayed. A thorough menstrual history and its temporal relationship to pneumothorax onset should be assessed in every women presenting with recurrent pneumothorax. Thoracic endometriosis syndrome is very manageable with the advancements of VATS and hormonal therapy, but we as clinicians should have this on our differential diagnosis when a young, reproductive-aged female presents with a spontaneous pneumothorax to expedite appropriate care. Here we present a case of a 44 year old female with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax that was attributed to thoracic endometriosis that will hopefully educate providers to have a high clinical suspicion in patients to obtain an accurate diagnosis and initiate proper treatment.

PLEURAL ENDOMETRIOSIS: BLOODY PLEURAL EFFUSION IN A 28-YEAR-OLD FEMALE WITH PRIMARY INFERTILITY (CASE REPORT)

Background. Endometriosis is defined as presence of endometrial glands outside the uterine cavity and it most commonly involves the structures within the pelvic cavity. Thoracic endometriosis syndrome usually presents as pneumothorax, hemoptysis, hemothorax or pulmonary nodules. Endometriosis presenting as hemorrhagic pleural effusion is rarely reported. Objectives. The aim of the study was to describe pleural endometriosis presenting as hemorrhagic pleural effusion and to insist on the role of medical thoracoscopy in making the diagnosis with the help of a case report. Methods. A case report of pleural endometriosis as a non-resolving hemorrhagic pleural effusion is presented. Results. A 28-years old female on treatment for her primary infertility presented with non-resolving bloody pleural effusion and she was on empirical anti-tubercular drugs for the last four months. Medical thoracoscopy revealed flat brownish grey plaques over the diaphragmatic pleura and the histology of pleural tissue revealed pleural endometriosis. She was initiated on gonadotropin releasing hormone-leuprolide and there was some clinico-radiological improvement. Conclusions. Thoracic endometriosis should be considered as one of the differentials for pleural effusion in female patient especially on treatment for infertility. Medical thoracoscopy should be the investigation of choice for evaluating pleural effusions before initiating empirical treatments.

Catamenial pneumothorax with bubbling up on the diaphragmatic defects: a case report

BackgroundCatamenial pneumothorax is characterized by spontaneous recurring pneumothorax during menstruation, which is a common clinical manifestation of thoracic endometriosis syndrome. There are still controversies about its pathogenesis.Case presentationA 43-year-old woman with a history of endometriosis came to our hospital due to recurring pneumothorax during menstruation. Uniportal Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) exploration was performed on the eve of menstruating. We thoroughly explored the diaphragm, visceral and parietal pleura: The lung surface was scattered with yellowish-brown implants; no bullae were found; multiple diaphragmatic defects were found on the dome. And surprisingly, we caught a fascinating phenomenon: Bubbles were slipping into pleural cavity through diaphragmatic defects. We excised the diaphragmatic lesions and wedge resected the right upper lung lesion; cleared the deposits and flushed the thoracic cavity with pure iodophor. Diaphragmatic lesions confirmed the presence of endometriosis, and interestingly enough, microscopically, endometrial cells were shedding with impending menses. After a series of intraoperative operations and postoperative endocrine therapy, the disease did not recur after a period of follow-up.ConclusionWe have witnessed the typical signs of catamenial pneumothorax at the accurate timing: Not only observed the process of gas migration macroscopically, but also obtained pathological evidence of diaphragmatic periodic perforation microscopically, which is especially precious and confirms the existing theory that retrograde menstruation leads to diaphragmatic endometriosis, and the diaphragmatic fenestration is obtained due to the periodic activities of ectopic endometrium.

Diaphragmatic endometriosis and thoracic endometriosis syndrome: a review on diagnosis and treatment.

Endometriosis of the diaphragm has been gaining more attention in the practice of gynecologists and thoracic surgeons in recent years. Understanding related symptoms and developing imaging methods have improved their approach. A review of the literature was performed with the aim to report on incidence, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of diaphragmatic endometriosis. We also cover the issue of the Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES). Complaints of cyclic chest pain in patients of childbearing age should have as differential diagnosis the presence of thoracic endometriosis. Catamenial pneumothorax is the main manifestation of diaphragmatic endometriosis and Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome. Other possible manifestations are hemothorax, pulmonary nodules, and diaphragmatic hernia. Despite the possibility of drug treatment, many patients will be submitted to surgical treatment. The minimally invasive approach should be the one of choice. The robotic pathway allows for an easier approach due to its ability to articulate robotic arms, allowing the treatment of lesions in hard-to-reach locations, such as the posterior part of the diaphragm. Multidisciplinary treatment should be used in most cases, as only abdominal approach is not sufficient for the diagnosis and treatment of lesions in the thoracic cavity. The approach of endometriosis of the diaphragm and Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome should be multidisciplinary, allowing the improvement of quality of life in most patients.

Clinical study of thoracic endometriosis syndrome

Clinical study of thoracic endometriosis syndrome

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome in Nigeria: a single-centre experience.

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is the presence of functional endometrial tissue in or around the lung. There seem to be differences in the clinical presentation of this condition among Nigerian patients. We aim to study the clinical presentation and management outcome of TES in our centre. This is an analysis of consecutive patients with TES treated over a 5-year period and followed up for 6 months to 5 years. Information collected included the gynaecological history, clinical presentation, causes of misdiagnosis, modalities of treatment and outcome. Twenty-three patients with TES aged between 24 and 45 years (median 32 years) were treated. Severe dysmenorrhoea was a prominent symptom in 91.3% of cases (median dysmenorrhoea score 8) and was uninfluenced by the marital status (P = 0.522). The patients usually presented with massive or recurrent haemothorax associated with massive ascites [16/23 (69.5%) of cases (P = 0.0006)]. The right side alone was involved in 21 cases and 1 patient had catamenial haemoptysis as a part of her symptoms, even though there was bronchial bleed at bronchoscopy in 6 patients. In 40%, tuberculosis was the misdiagnosis. Diagnosis was established histologically in 18/23 (78.3%) of the cases. Treatment was multimodal and multidisciplinary with notable macroscopic lesions in 77.8% of the patients that had surgery. TES is not an uncommon lesion. Presentation with massive haemothorax is usually associated with massive ascites. A large percentage of such have pleural and diaphragmatic lesions that require surgical treatment. The ascites may be refractory to treatment requiring repeated paracentesis.

Thoracic Endometriosis: A Review Comparing 480 Patients Based on Catamenial and Non-Catamenial Presentation

Study Objective To revisit thoracic endometriosis cases in literature and compare symptoms, diagnosis, pathology, treatment and follow-up based on the catamenial or non-catamenial nature of the disease. Design A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted using the key words: diaphragm endometriosis, thoracic endometriosis, thoracic endometriosis syndrome, catamenial pneumothorax. Setting n/a Patients or Participants 480 cases of thoracic endometriosis were included in this review. 61 presented with non-catamenial symptoms and 419 had catamenial symptoms. Patients were compared based on the presence of chest pain, dyspnea, hemoptysis, pneumothorax history, pneumothorax type, use and types of imaging techniques, pre- and postoperative medication, type of surgery, presence of endometriosis in pathological evaluation, location of thoracic endometriosis, follow-up period and recurrence. Interventions Types of surgeries evaluated in this review were laparoscopy (LS), laparotomy (LT), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), thoracotomy. Measurements and Main Results A significantly higher number of patients presented with preoperative chest pain (79.7%), dyspnea (52.2%) and pneumothorax (78.9%) in the catamenial group (p <0.001). Pneumothorax occurred more frequently on the right side in both groups. 285 patients (68%) in the catamenial group received a positive imaging finding whereas this number was significantly less in the non-catamenial group (59%, p = 0.003). Majority of patients in both groups didn't receive any pre-/post-operative medication. VATS was the most common surgery in the catamenial group (56.6%). Whereas LT/LS was more frequently performed in the non-catamenial group (70.5%). Majority of the patients in both groups received a pathological finding of endometriosis Conclusion Catamenial and non-catamenial nature of the disease caused a significant difference in presenting symptoms, preoperative evaluation, surgical and medical treatment and recurrence. Although most of patients presented with catamenial disease, majority of the non-catamenial patients also received a positive pathological finding. Therefore, it is important to keep thoracic endometriosis in mind when dealing with patients with non-catamenial symptoms. To revisit thoracic endometriosis cases in literature and compare symptoms, diagnosis, pathology, treatment and follow-up based on the catamenial or non-catamenial nature of the disease. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted using the key words: diaphragm endometriosis, thoracic endometriosis, thoracic endometriosis syndrome, catamenial pneumothorax. n/a 480 cases of thoracic endometriosis were included in this review. 61 presented with non-catamenial symptoms and 419 had catamenial symptoms. Patients were compared based on the presence of chest pain, dyspnea, hemoptysis, pneumothorax history, pneumothorax type, use and types of imaging techniques, pre- and postoperative medication, type of surgery, presence of endometriosis in pathological evaluation, location of thoracic endometriosis, follow-up period and recurrence. Types of surgeries evaluated in this review were laparoscopy (LS), laparotomy (LT), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), thoracotomy. A significantly higher number of patients presented with preoperative chest pain (79.7%), dyspnea (52.2%) and pneumothorax (78.9%) in the catamenial group (p <0.001). Pneumothorax occurred more frequently on the right side in both groups. 285 patients (68%) in the catamenial group received a positive imaging finding whereas this number was significantly less in the non-catamenial group (59%, p = 0.003). Majority of patients in both groups didn't receive any pre-/post-operative medication. VATS was the most common surgery in the catamenial group (56.6%). Whereas LT/LS was more frequently performed in the non-catamenial group (70.5%). Majority of the patients in both groups received a pathological finding of endometriosis Catamenial and non-catamenial nature of the disease caused a significant difference in presenting symptoms, preoperative evaluation, surgical and medical treatment and recurrence. Although most of patients presented with catamenial disease, majority of the non-catamenial patients also received a positive pathological finding. Therefore, it is important to keep thoracic endometriosis in mind when dealing with patients with non-catamenial symptoms.

Establishment and Characterization of a Stromal Cell Line Derived From a Patient With Thoracic Endometriosis

Thoracic endometriosis (TE) syndrome is a clinical condition known as an extrapelvic form of endometriosis with the presence of functioning endometrial tissue involving lung parenchyma, pleura, chest wall, or diaphragm. In an effort to obtain an endometriosis ex vivo model, we established the spontaneously growing TH-EM1 cell line from endometriotic implants in lung parenchyma from a woman with TE. Maintained in long-term culture, the cells grew as large mesenchymal-like cells with a doubling time between 5 and 6 days. Treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate (10–7 mol/L) inhibited the TH-EM1 cells growth and induced morphological changes to an epithelial-like cells. Strong expression of the nuclear estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and erytropoietin receptors were found in both the pulmonary implant and the TH-EM1 cells by immunohistochemical analysis. Consistent immunoreactivity of TH-EM1 cells for CD9, CD13, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD157 was revealed by flow cytometry. Likewise, the embryonic markers, SRY-box 2 (SOX-2) and the Nanog molecules, were detected in 76% and 52% of the cells, while fetal hemoglobin and a-globin were detected in 76% and 65% of TH-EM1 cells, respectively. By RHG banding, normal metaphases were observed, while the microarray chromosomal analysis showed gains of DNA sequences located on the segments 8p23.1, 11p15.5, and 12p11.23. The described in vitro cellular model can serve as a useful tool to study the pathogenesis of endometriosis and to improve the knowledge of molecular mechanisms controlling the endometriotic cell dissemination potential.