Abstract:

Thoracic endometriosis (TE) refers to endometrial tissue implantation in the lungs or peripheral tissues of the lungs, which is relatively rare clinically and most commonly occurs between the ages of 30-35 years old. The theories to explain the pathogenesis of TE include metastatic implantation, corpus cavernosum epithelial chemotaxis, lymphatic and vascular metastasis, stem cell theory, etc. Its clinical manifestations are related to the cyclic changes of the endometrium. Clinical manifestations such as menstrual pneumothorax, menstrual hemothorax, menstrual hemoptysis, and pulmonary nodules may occur, and imaging manifestations are atypical. CT may show exudates, nodules, hairy-glass infiltrates, thin-walled cavities, pulmonary blisters, etc. Pathologic diagnosis of TE is based on the finding of the ectopic endometrial stroma and glands, and hormonal and surgical treatments are the main therapeutic modalities currently used.

Key words: Thorax, Endometriosis, Research progress