Single-versus Two-port Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery in Thymoma: A Propensity-matched Study / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#In recent years, with the advancement of minimally invasive techniques, thoracoscopic thymoma resection has experienced a development process from three-port video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) to two-port (TP) and single-port (SP) variants. However, the feasibility and safety of SP-VATS have not been generally recognized. This study intends to explore the safety and feasibility of SP-VATS in thymoma resection, in order to provide a reference for clinical surgicalselection.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 197 patients who underwent thoracoscopic thymoma resection in Beijing Tongren Hospital from January 2018 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into SP-VATS group (n=42) and TP-VATS group (n=155). After matching propensity scores, there is no statistically significant difference in preoperative baseline data between SP-VATS group and TP-VATS group. Among them, there were 17 males and 25 females with an average age of 28-72 (48.00±9.43) years in the SP-VATS group, and 20 males and 22 females with an average age of 30-75 (50.38±9.83) years in TP-VATS group. The clinical effects of the two groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#The operation was successfully completed in both groups, and there was no conversion to thoracotomy or increased surgical incisions. Compared with the TP-VATS group, the chest drainage time and hospital stay in the SP-VATS group were shorter [(2.95±0.76) d vs (3.33±0.85) d; (4.57±0.83) d vs (5.07±1.13) d], and the visual pain score at 24 h and 72 h after surgery were lower [(3.64±0.85) points vs (4.05±0.66) points; (2.33±0.75) points vs (3.07±0.68) points] (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in operation time [(130.00±26.23) min vs (135.24±27.03) min], intraoperative blood loss [(69.52±22.73) mL vs (82.38±49.23) mL] (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#SP-VATS in thymoma is a safe, feasible, and less invasive procedure, with less postoperative pain and faster recovery than multi-port VATS.

Tumor carcinoide atípico solitario de timo: una entidad inusual que no debemos olvidar / Solitary atipic carcinoid tumor of the thymus: an unusual entity that we should not forget

Resumen: Los tumores neuroendocrinos primarios (NET) del mediastino son muy raros. Presentamos el caso de un tumor carcinoide atípico primario de timo. Un hombre de 52 años que fue a un examen médico porque se quejaba de tos no productiva sin hemoptisis. Se solicitó una radiografía de tórax donde se evidenció un mediastino notablemente ensanchado, con una tomografía de tórax que mostro una masa tumoral de 90 x 50 mm en el mediastino anterosuperior que comprime el arco aórtico y la arteria pulmonar sin un plano de clivaje adecuado. Debido a que el tumor era infiltrativo, se proporcionó escisión quirúrgica completa, quimioterapia y radioterapia al mediastino. El objetivo principal de nuestro estudio fue evaluar los hallazgos de CT y MRI con relación a la literatura mundial.

Abstract: Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the mediastinum are very rare. We present the case of a primary atypical carcinoid tumor of the thymus. A 52-year-old man who went to a medical examination because he complained of a non-productive cough without hemoptysis. A chest radiograph was requested where a markedly widened mediastinum was evidenced, with a thoracic tomography showing a tumor mass of 90 x 50 mm in the anterosuperior mediastinum that compresses the aortic arch and pulmonary artery without an adequate cleavage plane. Because the tumor was infiltrative, complete surgical excision, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were provided to the mediastinum. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the findings of CT and MRI in relation to universal literature.

Robotic thoracic surgery for resection of thymoma and tumors of the thymus: technical development and initial experience / Cirurgia torácica robótica para ressecção de timoma e tumores tímicos: desenvolvimento técnico e experiência inicial

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the results of resection of tumors of the thymus by robotic thoracic surgery, analyzing the extent of resection, postoperative complications, time of surgery, and length of stay. Methods: Retrospective study from a database involving patients diagnosed with a tumor of the thymus and undergoing robotic thoracic surgery at one of seven hospitals in Brazil between October of 2015 and June of 2018. Results: During the study period, there were 18 cases of resection of tumors of the thymus: thymoma, in 12; carcinoma, in 2; and carcinoid tumor, in 1; high-grade sarcoma, in 1; teratoma, in 1; and thymolipoma, in 1. The mean lesion size was 60.1 ± 32.0 mm. Tumors of the thymus were resected with tumor-free margins in 17 cases. The median (interquartile range) for pleural drain time and hospital stay, in days, was 1 (1-3) and 2 (2-4), respectively. There was no need for surgical conversion, and there were no major complications. Conclusions: Robotic thoracic surgery for resection of tumors of the thymus has been shown to be feasible and safe, with a low risk of complications and with postoperative outcomes comparable to those of other techniques.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados da ressecção de tumores tímicos por cirurgia torácica robótica, verificando a radicalidade da ressecção, complicações pós-operatórias, tempo de cirurgia e tempo de internação. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo a partir de um banco de dados envolvendo pacientes com diagnóstico de tumor tímico e submetidos à cirurgia torácica robótica em sete hospitais no Brasil entre outubro de 2015 e junho de 2018. Resultados: Durante o período estudado, houve 18 casos de ressecção de tumores tímicos (timomas, em 12; carcinoma tímico, em 2; e tumor carcinoide tímico, sarcoma tímico de alto grau, teratoma tímico e timolipoma, em 1 cada). A média do tamanho das lesões foi de 60,1 ± 32,0 mm. Tumores tímicos foram ressecados com margens livres em 17 casos. As medianas (intervalos interquartis) de tempo de dreno pleural e de internação, em dias, foram 1 (1-3) e 2 (2-4), respectivamente. Não houve necessidade de conversão cirúrgica nem complicações maiores. Conclusões: A cirurgia torácica robótica para a ressecção de tumores tímicos demonstrou ser factível e segura, com baixo risco de complicações e desfechos pós-operatórios comparáveis aos de outras técnicas.

Síntomas de miastenia grave en un paciente con antecedente de timectomía por timoma invasor / Symptoms of myasthenia gravis in a patient with a history of thymectomy for invasive thymoma

Introducción. La miastenia grave es una enfermedad autoinmunitaria mediada por anticuerpos. Entre 10 y 15 % de quienes la padecen tienen timoma y su presencia se asocia con una mayor gravedad de los síntomas, crisis miasténicas y fracaso del tratamiento de primera línea. La timectomía se recomienda en pacientes jóvenes con miastenia grave generalizada y en todos los pacientes con timoma. Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 43 años que, en el 2005, presentó una primera crisis miasténica asociada con un timoma invasor que se trató con timectomía y radioterapia. Durante los siguientes tres años, presentó síntomas graves y dos crisis más, que obligaron a suministrarle respiración mecánica asistida e inmunoglobulina. Al cabo del tratamiento, no se evidenciaron signos de recurrencia en las tomografías de tórax con contraste. Entre el 2009 y el 2012, la gravedad de los síntomas fue menor. En el 2013, estos se exacerbaron y una resonancia magnética de tórax con contraste reveló una lesión en el mediastino anterior, ya observada en el 2011, sugestiva de tejido residual o fibrosis. Se inició el tratamiento usual con inmunoglobulina y se hizo una tomografía por emisión de positrones cuyos resultados no fueron concluyentes, por lo que se llevó a cabo una nueva resección y se constató que no había recurrencia del tumor. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con miastenia grave y aquellos con timoma asociado, deben someterse a la timectomía como parte del tratamiento. Sin embargo, la exacerbación de los síntomas o su reaparición después del procedimiento no necesariamente implica una nueva alteración en el timo.

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. Approximately 10-15% of patients present with a thymoma, the presence of which is associated with greater severity of symptoms, myasthenic crisis, and irresponsiveness to front-line therapy. A thymectomy is recommended in young patients with generalized myasthenia gravis and in all patients presenting with thymoma. Clinical case: The patient was a 43-year-old woman, who first showed symptoms of myasthenic crisis in 2005 and presented with invasive thymoma managed with thymectomy and radiotherapy. In the subsequent three years, the patient presented with severe symptoms and two myasthenic crises that required mechanical ventilation and immunoglobulin treatment. Contrast chest computed tomography examinations showed no recurrence. Between 2009 and 2012, the patient experienced decreased symptom severity. In 2013, the patient presented with an exacerbation of symptoms; a contrast chest magnetic resonance scan showed a lesion in the anterior mediastinum, previously observed in 2011, suggestive of residual tissue as opposed to fibrosis. Regular management was started with immunoglobulins; a positron emission tomography scan was inconclusive, requiring a new resection, which showed no evidence of tumor recurrence. Conclusions: Patients with myasthenia gravis and those with myasthenia-related thymoma both share thymectomy as an element of treatment. However, following the procedure, exacerbation or reappearance of symptoms does not necessarily represent new alterations in the thymus.

Resultado de la timectomía en los tumores epiteliales / Result of thymectomy in epithelial tumors

Introducción: el timoma describe las neoplasias que no presentan atipia manifiesta del componente epitelial, cuando se exhibe claramente atipia citológica se le conoce como carcinoma tímico, y la cirugía es el tratamiento de elección. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la eficacia de la timectomía en los enfermos con tumores epiteliales del timo (timoma, carcinoma tímico). Métodos: se estudiaron 26 enfermos entre enero 2007 a enero 2012 que, con este diagnostico, fueron operados en nuestro centro. Resultados: la miastenia gravis estuvo presente en 16 (61,5 por ciento) pacientes, de ellos en el posoperatorio se extubaron 11 (68,7 por ciento) después de 12 horas. La esternotomía total fue el abordaje principal 13 (50 por ciento), cuando la lesión era superior a los 7 centímetros fue más probable la ampliación a un hemitórax. Cuando se necesitó resección de pulmón, pericardio o ambos, el tiempo quirúrgico fue superior a los 120 minutos. Se complicaron 7 (29,6 por ciento), de ellos 5 (71,4 por ciento) de causa respiratoria. En 19 (73,9 por ciento) los tumores se clasificaron como estadio I de Masaoka y en 6 (23,1 por ciento) hubo carcinoma tímico.Tuvimos 1 fallecido (3,8 por ciento). Todos los miasténicos tuvieron remisión completa o farmacológica, en 2 hubo recidiva local y en ninguno fallecimiento durante el seguimiento. Conclusiones: la timectomía transesternal es el tratamiento de elección, y se necesita ampliar a un hemitórax cuando la lesión es más de 7 cm con resección de pericardio, pulmón o ambos. En este caso, se obtendrán resultados favorables en los miasténicos y en el control del tumor durante el seguimiento(AU)

Introduction: Thymomea describes the neoplasias that do not present evident atypia of the epithelial component; the clear cytological atypia indicated thymic carcinoma and surgery is the treatment of choice. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of thymectomy aimed at patients with epithelial tumors in the thymus (thymoma, thymic carcinoma). Methods: Twenty six patients under study from January 2007 to January 2012, they were operated on after this diagnosis. Results: Myasthenia gravis was present in 16 patients (61.5 percent), 11 of them (68.7 percent) were removed their intubation after 12 hours of surgery. Total sternotomy was the main approach in 13 patients (50 percent); in case of an over 7cm long injure, the approach was extended to hemithorax. Resection of lung, pericardium or both required more than 120min surgical time. Seven patients (29.6 percent) suffered complications, 5 of them (71.4 percent) respiratory complications. Nineteen patients (73.9 percent) had Masaoka's staging I tumors whereas 6 (23.1 percent) had thymic carcinoma. One patient died (3.8 percent). All these patients with myasthenia gravis showed complete or pharmacological remission, 2 experienced local relapse and no patient died in the follow-up period. Conclusions: Transsternal thymectomy is the treatment of choice. It is required to extend it to hemithorax when there is an over 7 cm long injure, with resection of the pericardium, the lung or both. In this case, the favorable results will be achieved in myasthenic patients and in the tumor control during the follow-up phase(AU)

Thymoma associated with myasthenia gravis and Sjögren syndrome / Timoma asociado con miastenia grave y síndrome de Sjögren

Thymoma is the most common neoplasm of the anterior mediastinum but thymoma with Sjögren syndrome (SS) is rare. Sjögren syndrome is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder. It is characterized by lymphocytemediated destruction of exocrine glands, which leads to absent glandular secretion. Here, we present the case of a 63yearold man with thymoma and concurrent myasthenia gravis and SS, who achieved remission after thymectomy.

El timoma es la neoplasia más frecuente del mediastino anterior, pero un timoma acompañado del síndrome de Sjögren (SS) constituye una ocurrencia rara. El síndrome de Sjögren es un trastorno inflamatorio autoinmune sistémico. Se caracteriza por la destrucción - mediada por linfocitos - de las glándulas exocrinas, lo cual conduce a la ausencia de secreción glandular. Aquí presentamos el caso de un hombre de 63 años de edad con timoma, y miastenia gravis y SS concurrentes, que logró la remisión después de una timectomía.

Neoplasias epiteliales del timo: timoma y carcinoma tímico: caracterización, tratamiento y variables asociadas a supervivencia / Thymic epithelial tumors. Retrospective review of 54 patients

Background: Thymic epithelial tumors are uncommon and can be associated with myasthenia gravis. Aim: To describe variables associated with survival and treatment of thymic epithelial tumors. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of surgical databases of a respiratory diseases hospital, identifying patients operated for a thymic epithelial tumor between 2000 and 2010. Follow up lasted from 12 to 156 months and information was obtained from medical records and death certificates of the Chilean national identification service. Results: Data from 54 patients aged 52.5 +/- 16.4 years (33 women) was retrieved. Forty two patients were symptomatic and 47 were subjected to resective surgery. The pathological diagnosis was thymoma in 46 cases and thymic carcinoma in eight. Fourteen patients had postoperative complications and one died. Mean survival time was 101.8 +/- 10.2 months. One, three and five years survival was 90.7 +/- 3.9, 81.4 +/- 5.7 and 71.8 +/- 8.2 percent, respectively. Preoperative performance status of patients, histological type of the tumor and associated myasthenia gravis were predictors of survival. Conclusions: More commonly, thymic epithelial tumors appear in women, their histological type corresponds to thymomas and their resection is feasible.

Objetivos: Describir características, tratamiento y variables asociadas a supervivencia de neoplasias epiteliales del Timo (NET). Material y Método: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes con NET. Período: enero de 2000 - agosto de 2010. Se describen características, tratamiento, morbilidad, mortalidad y supervivencia global. Se comparó supervivencias según variables seleccionadas. Se utilizó programa SPSS 15.0. Se consideró significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: 54 pacientes, 33 mujeres, edad promedio 52,5 años. Sintomáticos 42 pacientes. Se realizó cirugía resectiva en 47. Histología: 46 Timomas y 8 Carcinomas Tímicos. Complicaciones en 14 y 1 falleció. Rango seguimiento: 12-156 meses. Tiempo promedio supervivencia 101,8 +/- 10,2 meses. Supervivencia global a 1, 3 y 5 años: 90,7 +/- 3,9 por ciento, 81,4 +/- 5,7 por ciento y 71,8 +/- 8,2 por ciento respectivamente. Se encontraron variables asociadas a supervivencia. Conclusiones: Las NET son más frecuentes en mujeres, la mayoría son sintomáticos e histológicamente son timoma. La cirugía es resectiva en la mayoría. Se identifican variables asociadas a supervivencia.

Tumores del timo y cirugía / Tumors of thymus and surgery

Los tumores del timo constituyen menos del 1 por ciento de todas las neoplasias, y es la cirugía el tratamiento de elección. Objetivos: conocer el tipo de tratamiento quirúrgico y la magnitud de la resección, así como la relación con el tamaño del tumor, el sangrado, el tiempo quirúrgico, la morbilidad y la mortalidad. Métodos: se realizó un estudio prospectivo en 22 pacientes con tumor mediastinal, que tuvieron criterios de cirugía durante el ingreso en los servicios de neurología o cirugía general del hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, desde enero de 2007 hasta febrero de 2009. Los resultados se presentan en por cientos y se empleó el chi cuadrado en la relación de variables. Resultados: 12 fueron del sexo femenino (54,5 por ciento ). El tratamiento más empleado fue la esternotomía total en 9 pacientes (40,9 por ciento ), el tiempo quirúrgico varió de 50 a 260 min con mediana de 127,5, mientras el sangrado por encima de 100 mL estuvo asociado a un tiempo quirúrgico de 61 a 180 min (p= 0,036). Se complicaron 11 pacientes (50 por ciento ) y hubo 1 fallecido (4,5 por ciento ). El tamaño del tumor varió de 3,5 a 20 cm. El paciente con tumor neuroendocrino recidivó a los 10 meses, mientras los pacientes con timomas no muestran hasta la fecha recidiva local ni se ha comprobado actividad metastásica. Conclusión: la cirugía constituye el paso más importante en el tratamiento de los tumores mediastinales, y se logra, en la gran mayoría, la resección completa, a pesar del tamaño y la relación con estructuras vecinas(AU)

Introduction: the tumors of thymus account for less than 1 percent of all neoplasms and the choice treatment is the surgery. Objectives: to know the type of surgical treatment and the magnitude of resection, as well as the relationship with the tumor size, bleeding, surgical time and morbidity and mortality. Methods: a prospective study was conducted in 20 patients presenting with mediastinum tumor with surgery criteria over the admission in the services of neurology or general surgery of the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital from January, 2007 to February, 2009. Results are showed in percentages and variables relation Chi2 was the test used. Results: twelve patients were of female sex (54.5 percent). The more applied treatment was the total sternotomy in 9 patients (40.9 percent), surgical time varied from 50 to 260 min with a mean of 127,5, whereas the bleeding over of 100 mL was associated with a surgical time from 61 to 180 min (p= 0.036). Eleven patients have complications (50 percent) with a death (4.5 percent). The tumor size varied from 3,5 to 20 cm. The patients with neuroendocrine tumor have a relapse at 10 months, whereas in patients with thymoma until now there was neither relapse nor metastatic activity. Conclusion: surgery is the more important step in the treatment of mediastinum tumors and in most of them it is possible a total resection despite its size and the relationship with neighbouring structures(AU)

Tratamento cirúrgico da síndrome da veia cava superior causado por timoma invasivo / Surgical treatment of superior vena cava syndrome caused by invasive thymoma

Paciente do sexo masculino, branco, 57 anos, portador de síndrome da veia cava superior havia 3 meses, devido a timoma invasivo em mediastino médio e anterior, levando a comprometimento da veia cava superior intrínseca e extrinsecamente. Após avaliação por tomografia computadorizada e angiorressonância magnética de tórax, o paciente foi submetido à ressecção radical do timoma - derivação venosa da veia subclávia esquerda para átrio direito, com tubo de PTFE (politetrafluoroetileno). Relevante caso de timoma invasivo ocasionando a oclusão da veia cava superior. A evolução clínica, após 7 meses, foi considerada satisfatória.

We report on a case of a 57 years-old white male, patient, who presented superior vena cava syndrome (SVC) for 3 months, derived from an invasive thymoma in the medium and anterior mediastinum, compromising intrinsic and extrinsic to the SVC. After evaluation by computed tomography and magnetic angioresonance of the thorax, the patient underwent radical resection of the thymoma - bypass from left subclavian vein to right atrium, using polytetrafluoroethylene tube. Relevant case of invasive thymoma causing the occlusion of SVC. The clinic evolution of the patient after 7 months was considered satisfactory.

Thymoma Associated with Myasthenia Gravis in Infancy.

Thymomas are associated with various autoimmune disorders in adults, most commonly with myasthenia gravis (MG). In MG antibodies developed against acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, resulting weakness of muscle after repeated use and recovery following a period of rest. However, MG due to thymoma is extremely rare in pediatric age group.1We report an infant with MG due to invasive thymoma.

Characteristics associated with complete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors / Características associadas à ressecção cirúrgica completa de tumores malignos primários do mediastino

OBJECTIVE: To identify preoperative characteristics associated with complete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2006, 42 patients with primary malignant mediastinal tumors were submitted to surgery with curative intent at a single facility. Patient charts were reviewed in order to collect data related to demographics, clinical manifestation, characteristics of mediastinal tumors and imaging aspects of invasiveness. RESULTS: The surgical resection was considered complete in 69.1 percent of the patients. Cases of incomplete resection were attributed to invasion of the following structures: large blood vessels (4 cases); the superior vena cava (3 cases); the heart (2 cases); the lung and chest wall (3cases); and the trachea (1 case). Overall survival was significantly better among the patients submitted to complete surgical resection than among those submitted to incomplete resection. The frequency of incomplete resection was significantly higher in cases in which the tumor had invaded organs other than the lung (as identified through imaging studies) than in those in which it was restricted to the lung (47.6 percent vs. 14.3 percent; p = 0.04). None of the other preoperative characteristics analyzed were found to be associated with complete resection. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiological evidence of invasion of organs other than the lung is associated with the incomplete surgical resection of primary malignant mediastinal tumors.

OBJETIVO: Identificar características pré-operatórias associadas à ressecção cirúrgica completa de tumores malignos primários do mediastino. MÉTODOS: Entre os anos de 1996 e 2006, 42 pacientes com tumores malignos primários do mediastino foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico com intenção curativa em uma única instituição. Dados demográficos, manifestações clínicas, características do tumor mediastinal e aspectos de invasão por métodos de imagem foram identificados através da análise de prontuários. RESULTADOS: A ressecção cirúrgica foi considerada completa em 69,1 por cento dos pacientes. As causas de ressecção incompleta foram atribuídas à invasão das seguintes estruturas: grandes vasos (4 casos); veia cava superior (3 casos); coração (2 casos); pulmão e parede torácica (3 casos); e traqueia (1 caso). Os pacientes que foram submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica completa tiveram sobrevida global significativamente melhor que os pacientes submetidos à ressecção incompleta. A frequência de ressecção incompleta foi significativamente maior nos casos nos quais foram identificadas características radiológicas de invasão de outros órgãos além do pulmão do que nos casos cujas características eram restritas ao pulmão (47,6 por cento vs. 14,3 por cento; p = 0,04). Nenhuma das outras características pré-operatórias analisadas foi associada com a ressecção cirúrgica completa. CONCLUSÕES: Evidências radiológicas de invasão de órgãos além do pulmão no pré-operatório estão associadas à ressecção cirúrgica incompleta de tumores primários malignos do mediastino.

Invasive thymoma with intraorbital metastases.

Thymomas are epithelial neoplasm of thymus and most common primary neoplasm of anterior and superior mediastinum affecting males and females equally. It occurs usually in the fifth to seventh decade. Approximately one-third of thymomas are invasive. Metastases to distant extrathoracic sites such as the liver, lung, lymph node, kidneys, ovary and brain occur infrequently. This is more common with invasive thymomas. Although brain has been shown to be a site of infrequent metastases, intraorbital metastases has not yet been reported. Here we report one such case of invasive thymoma of anterior superior mediastinum, which later metastasized to orbit as well as the brain.

Quiste multiloculado de timo / Multiloculated thymic cyst

Los quistes de timo son lesiones de mediastino extremadamente raros y generalmente asintomáticos. Pueden ser divididos en dos tipos:quistes tímicos uniloculares, considerados como malformaciones del desarrollo, originados en remanentes embrionarios del conductotimofaríngeo y los quistes tímicos multiloculares, considerados de naturaleza reactiva como resultado de inflamación de las estructurasderivadas del epitelio ductal medular tímico. Habitualmente son descubiertos por Rx de control, en muy pocos casos se manifiestan portos, disnea u otro síntoma inespecífico. Radiológicamente se presentan como una tumoración redondeada de bordes lisos; con la TAC selogra precisar su naturaleza quística, de pared fina, y el contenido con densidad acuosa. Se presenta este caso de quiste multiloculado, quesimuló radiológicamente otros tumores mediastínicos...

Thymic cysts of the mediastinum are extremely rare lesions that are usually asymptomatic. They can be divided into two types: unilocular thymic cysts which are considered as developmental malformations arising from embryonic duct remnants; thymopharingeal and multilocular thymic cysts which are considered of reactive nature as a result of inflammation of the structures derived from thymic medullary ductal epithelium. They are usually detected by Rx control; rarely do they manifest themselves by cough, dyspnea or other symptoms. Radiologically the tumor presents itself with smooth rounded edges; by TAC the thin walled cystic nature, density and water content can be established. We present this case of a multilocular cyst which prior to surgical treatment, radiologically simulated various medastinal tumors.

Timoma linfocítico: informe de caso / Lymphocytic thymoma: a case report

La glándula tímica puede ser el sitio de origen de una gran variedad de neoplasias malignas y benignas. Aunque estos tumores son relativamente infrecuentes en la población general, son de gran interés para la literatura médica por sus manifestaciones clínico-patológicas. Se reporta un caso de una mujer de 52 años de edad quien presentó hipertensión arterial y ensanchamiento mediastinal en una radiografía de tórax (vista postero-anterior y lateral). La tomografía computarizada mostró una imagen hiperdensa, no homogénea por encima de la base cardíaca y área de la aorta. Se realizó mediastinotomía transesternal y fue extraído un tumor blando, amarillento, el cual fue después diagnosticado histológicamente como timoma linfocítico. Los principales signos y síntomas, diagnóstico, clasificación y tratamiento de los timomas son expuestos mediante una revisión de la literatura(AU)

The gland tímica can be the place of origin of a great variety of wicked and benign neoplasias. Although these tumors are relatively uncommon in the general population, they are of great interest for the medical literature for their clinical-pathological manifestations. A case of a 52 year-old woman is reported who presented arterial hypertension and ensanchamiento mediastinal in a thorax x-ray (seen postero-previous and lateral). The on-line tomografía showed an image hiperdensa, not homogeneous above the heart base and area of the aorta. He/she was carried out mediastinotomía transesternal and a soft, yellowish tumor was extracted, which was diagnosed histológicamente like timoma linfocítico later. The main signs and symptoms, diagnosis, classification and treatment of the timomas are exposed by means of a revision of the literature(AU)

Thymolipoma in a child [a case Report]

A 2 year old male child with history of mild respiratory difficulty and repeated chest infection on CT scan, found to have an anterior mediastinal mass, which pre operatively was suspected as thymolipoma. Through median sternotomy mass was removed in totto. Histopathology confirmed the pre operative diagnosis. Post operative recovery was uneventful. At 6 months follow up there was no recurrence

Thymic surgery in Jamaica 1992-2000

The treatment for thymic tumours and/or myaesthenia gravis (MG) includes thymectomy. Controversy exists as to the optimal timing and operative approach to thymectomy. At the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica, the results of thymic surgery during the period 1992 to 2000 were studied retrospectively. There were 26 patients operated on, 17 females and nine males. Twenty-three underwent thymectomy to treat MG, and three to remove a thymoma. The average age for females was 30.7 years, and 25.1 years for males. Average duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 16 months (all patients), and the interval between diagnosis and referral averaged 2.6 months. All patients underwent thymectomy via median sternotomy with a cervical extension of the incision if required. A policy of phrenic nerve preservation, even if residual tumour was left behind, was followed. Patients with thymomas were given post-operative radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was not given to any patient. The medium and long term results of thymic surgery in a developing country are presented. The results are within international norms, although the small patient population makes statistical analysis difficult. There appears to be no need to change current practice, despite the reported efficacy of less invasive approaches to thymic surgery

Timolipoma simulando cardiomegalia / Thymolipoma simulating cardiomegaly

Thymolipoma is a rare benign tumor of the thymus. Because of its large size and pliability, the mass usually drapes itself around the heart, conforming to its borders and producing a large radiographic shadow easily mistaken as cardiomegaly. This report describes a 48-year-old man with a chest radiograph strongly suggestive of cardiomegaly. Careful radiological study showed the existence of a large mass in the anterior mediastinum, simulating cardiomegaly. A thymolipoma weighing 2500g was resected through an esternotomy

Timolipoma mediastínico: caso clínico / Mediastinal thymolipoma: a clinical case

Se presenta un caso de timolipoma mediastínico en un paciente de 14 años portador de asma bronquial, pesquisado durante el control de una crisis bronquial obstructiva. El diagnóstico de este tumor fue planteado por las imágenes en la Rx de tórax y por la tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) previo a su extirpación quirúrgica. No hubo síntomas atribuibles a este tumor, como tampoco disminución en los volúmenes pulmonares a pesar de la gran masa que contenía el tórax. Al extirparlo se comprobó un peso de 1200 g y el estudio histológico confirmó la sospecha planteada por la característica en la Rx y TAC de tórax