2025 Volume 39 Issue 6 Pages 533-538
A 35-year-old woman at 14 weeks of gestation presented with dyspnea and was diagnosed with an initial Grade II pneumothorax on the right side. The pneumothorax improved with chest drainage, and she was discharged on day 15.
At 19 weeks of gestation, she experienced a recurrent Grade II pneumothorax on the right side. Although the air leakage decreased, it did not fully resolve. At 21 weeks of gestation, on the 15th day of hospitalization, she underwent surgery under general anesthesia with single-lung ventilation in the left lateral decubitus position via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Intraoperatively, no active air leakage was identified. The diaphragmatic surface showed brownish discoloration; however, there were no findings strongly suggestive of catamenial pneumothorax. Small blebs were observed in the lung apex and middle lobe. Partial lung resection was performed at two sites using an automatic stapler with reinforcement material.
On pathological examination, the diagnosis was consistent with catamenial pneumothorax.
The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 and subsequently delivered a healthy infant at 39 weeks of gestation.
Due to the rarity of cases diagnosed during pregnancy, this case is reported with a detailed discussion and analysis.
