catamenial pneumothorax (a case report)

introduction: catamenial pneumothorax is a rare disease caused by presence of endometrial tissues in chest cavity  showing itself with pneumothorax 24 to 48 hours after  the beginning of menstrual period .  a case of catamenial pneumothorax is presented here. case presentation: the case was a 17-year-old young woman admitted to hospital with symptoms and signs including chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea and decreased breath sounds in right hemithorax started with her menstrual period. the patient had a history of similar attacks in her previous menstrual periods. right pneumothorax was observed in the x-ray. tube thoracostomy was inserted and chemical pleurodesis was administered. treatment with decapeptil (gnrh analog) injection continued for 6 months. conclusion: diagnosis of the disease is clinical.  early diagnosis and treatment is recommended for all the patients in reproductive ages with dyspne, chest pain and pneumothorax  as well as a history of recurring symptoms during the previous menstrual periods.