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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Catamenial Pneumothorax
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Catamenial Pneumothorax
by dynelsix, Sep 10, 2006 12:00AM
How does endometriosis travel to the lung, where it releases fluid monthly causing the lung to collapse? (Catamenial Pneumothorax) There are currently 3 theories. This question is frequently asked since the book "Living With Lung and Colon Endometriosis: Catamenial Pneumothorax" by Glynis D. Wallace was published.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Sep 22, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 22, 2006 12:00AM
While unusual, it is possible for tissue from the uterus to make its way to the chest. It can be found in the lung, airways, diaphragm, lining of the chest, and covering of the lungs. This tissue continues to function as it would in the uterus. So it goes through cyclical changes in response to female hormone levels. This tissue then dies and is shed. This can lead to holes that can cause the lung to collapse. This is also called catamenial pneumothorax.
The following are 3 theories of how tissue from the uterus gets to the chest. The theory of coelomic metaplasia is based on the concept that endometrial tissue from the uterus shares the same embryologic origin as pleural tissue from the lung. Trauma or manipulation of uterine tissue is a factor in the theory of transplantation of endometrial cells through blood vessels. The final theory is that menstruation flows backwards allowing endometrial tissue to pass into the chest.
The following are 3 theories of how tissue from the uterus gets to the chest. The theory of coelomic metaplasia is based on the concept that endometrial tissue from the uterus shares the same embryologic origin as pleural tissue from the lung. Trauma or manipulation of uterine tissue is a factor in the theory of transplantation of endometrial cells through blood vessels. The final theory is that menstruation flows backwards allowing endometrial tissue to pass into the chest.
