Endométriose thoracique : un diagnostic difficile

Pulmonary Endometriosis: A Review

“…3 There are no predisposing factors. 4 A possible explanation for the pathogenesis may involve peritonealpleural movement of endometrial tissue through diaphragmatic defects and microembolisation through pelvic veins. 5 Endometriotic deposits can be found in the diaphragm, pleura, lung parenchyma and tracheobronchial tree.…”

“…13 The diagnosis can be difficult to make. 4 A chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) can reveal multiple lung nodules, 14 if these are present. A computed tomography during and after menstruation can be useful in precise location of paranchymal pulmonary endometriotic lesions.…”

“…8,19 Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can reveal endometrial tissue embedded in the diaphragmatic pleura. 9,20 Tumour markers CA125 4 and CA19-9 7 can be elevated causing fears of the existence of malignancy. Pulmonary tuberculosis 21 is another differential diagnosis that may be considered during the investigations for pulmonary endometriosis.…”

“…19 Danazol therapy was previously extensively used to treat endometriosis 24 but it has fallen off due to its side effects profile. Currently GnRH analogues 4,8,25 are the ones widely used. Courses of 3 to 6 months produce good outcomes.…”

“…Immediately after surgical treatment, medical therapy must be started 4,13 as recurrence is common since the endometrial tissue will be responsive to ovarian hormones.…”