MMW Fortschritte der Medizin
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Malignant pleural effusion is a complication of malignant diseases that has an appreciable negative impact on the patient's quality of life. In view of the greatly reduced life expectancy of between 3 and 12 months (median), diagnostic and therapeutic management must be orientated to the principles of palliation. Diagnostic measures comprise cytological/histological confirmation of the malignant effusion and, where necessary, of the underlying malignant disease and the extent of the intrathoracic tumor growth. In view of the tendency of malignant pleural effusion to relapse, pleurodesis is indicated, which is most effectively accomplished by video-assisted thoracoscopic talcum poudrage.
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Catamenial pneumothorax is a recurrent condition, predominantly affecting the right lung, of women of childbearing age, which is closely related to the menstruation cycle. Additional endometriosis and a defect of the right diaphragm is found relatively frequently. The case of a patient with a history of endometriosis, and a surgically confirmed defect of the diaphragm with prolapsed liver tissue, in whom pneumothorax first occurred at the age of 46, is presented.