Catamenial Pneumothorax (CP) Research

Catamenial Pneumothorax

Living With Lung and Colon Endometriosis

Research

Through Dr. Wallace’s book and her international educational outreach efforts, the plight of those with endometriosis that affects the lung and/or colon is no longer one paved with despair and quiet acceptance. It has been unearthed as a benign disease that can be conquered with the proper understanding of the diverse specialists that are often the first to see a patient present with symptoms. Dr. Wallace’s mission simple, yet mighty: “My mission is to make every woman,the men who love them and the physicians who treat them aware of this benign disease!”

We are half way through 2008! An incredible amount of information has surfaced about catamenial pneumothoracies diagnosis and treatment.
2007 was a great year for Lung Endometriosis awareness.
Two medical reference books

recognized lung endometriosis. 2006 was a productive year for Catamenial Pneumothorax awareness, and I was instrumental in the completion of the addition of Catamenial Pneumothorax to the list of rare diseases at the National Institutes of Health Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) July 2006.

ORD characterizes a rare or orphan disease as a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 persons. Since endometriosis effects millions of women worldwide, I believe the lung consortions which have been contacted to determine worldwide numbers will soon prove Catamenial Pneumothorax is under recognized and under diagnosed. Literature research and all related information can be obtained at

and most recent articles on CP

Endometriosis is Estrogen driven and responds to a woman's hormonal cycle. Endometrial Implants found in other areas of the body bleed monthly. There are currently 3 theories as to why this occurs, and there is no cure. (Halban's Theory) Vascular/Lymph transmission, menses flows backwards allowing endometriol cells to enter the colon and chest. (Meye's Theory) also known as coelmic metaplasia states cells can change from one type to another, but arise from the same embryologic origin or precursor. The third is trauma or manipulation of the uterine tissue causes endometriol tissue to migrate through blood vessels. In 2006, the World Endometriosis Research Foundation was launched. The Foundation is a registered charity in the United Kingdom, but will operate globally. This global endometriosis project is initiated jointly by three professional organizations: The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the World Endometriosis Society (WES). Congratulations to Lone Hummelshoj nominated as Chief Executive.