Aromatase inhibitor therapy in a cystic fibrosis patient with thoracic endometriosis

The thoracic cavity is the number one site for extrapelvic endometriosis, with catamenial pneumothorax as the most common presenting symptom. Its treatment algorithm is similar to the one for pelvic endometriosis, with the goal of inducing a hypoestrogenic state. However, if medical treatment fails, lung resection may be the only option. We present a case of a 44-year-old female with cystic fibrosis and known pelvic endometriosis, who was diagnosed with thoracic endometriosis after presenting with catamenial hemoptysis. After having a recurrence more than four years after a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, she was started on aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy to avoid lung resection. Such therapy with an AI successfully treated recurrent thoracic endometriosis in a patient with cystic fibrosis, i.e. not an ideal candidate for lung resection.