Delay in diagnosis of endometriosis: a case report of catamenial pneumothorax

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition where endometrium-like tissue is located outside the uterine cavity, predominantly inside the pelvis, causing symptoms such as dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia.¹ However, extrapelvic endometriosis can also occur, often leading to delay in diagnosis that results in chronic symptoms and progression of the disease with possible lifelong consequences (for example, infertility).^1–3 The current case report illustrates a rare example of extrapelvic endometriosis and catamenial pneumothorax (that is, pneumothorax occurring during the perimenstrual period). The aim of this article is therefore to improve endometriosis awareness among GPs. The key message from this case report is that GPs should be aware of endometriosis when women present with symptoms that fluctuate with their menstrual cycle.