A case of pulmonary endometriosis treated by bronchial angiographic embolization

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Although usually confined to the pelvis, endometriosis can be found in extra-pelvic organs and tissues as well. One of the rare forms of extra-pelvic endometriosis is thoracic endometriosis (TE). It is characterized by presence of functional endometrial tissues within the pleura, in the lung parenchyma or the airway. We present a case of TE managed with bronchial angiographic embolization (BAE). CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old woman with two children presented with repetitive catamenial haemoptysis for 8 months’ duration Haemoptysis usually started on the first day or the second day of each menstruation and it continued for 5 to 6 days and it was identical with the menstrual interval. She had one vaginal delivery and one caesarean section 10 years ago and 6 years ago respectively. Two years ago, she had diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain and which revealed pelvic endometriosis. Her medical history was otherwise unremarkable. Physical examination of the respiratory system was normal. Chest X-ray had symmetrical thorax and plain lung markings without abnormal findings. A chest computed tomography taken during the menstruation revealed a focal consolidation with adjacent ground glass opacification in the basal segment of the right lower lobe. Since, haemoptysis spontaneously resolved with the menstruation we assumed this catamenial haemoptysis due to pulmonary endometriosis and planed for BAE. During the procedure ultrasound guided diagnostic descending aortogram was performed using a catheter placing in the proximal descending thoracic aorta. Angiogram revealed a hyperaemic area in the lower lobe of the right lung, supplied by the hypertrophied lower lobe branch of right intercosto-bronchial artery. Super selective cauterization and embolization of the feeding right bronchial artery was done with PVA particles. Post embolization angiogram revealed satisfactory occlusion of the arterial supply to the hyperaemic area. Post procedure course was uneventful and there were no recurrences of catamenial haemoptysis following the procedure. CONCLUSION: There is no guidance for the treatment of TE. Hormonal therapy can be considered to suppress the endometrial tissues. Considering the surgical options to treat TE, video assisted thoracic surgery was reported and which was found to be safer and less invasive than lobectomy. In general BAE is an alternative to surgery in the management haemoptysis caused by Tuberculosis and chest trauma. Even though, BAE has not been frequently used to treat TE we reported case of TE successfully treated with BAE. This suggests that BAE is an alternative treatment option for symptomatic TE.