Thymic carcinoma presented with systemic lupus erythematosus like symptoms: a case report

ABSTRACT

Thymic carcinoma is a rare, highly malignant, mediastinal neoplasm arising from thymic epithelial cells. It can be associated with paraneoplastic autoimmune phenomenon. Thymic carcinoma and systemic lupus erythematosus occurring together with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is extremely rare in children and has been reported only once in the literature. We report the case of a young Jordanian boy who presented with features suggestive Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and was found to have highly malignant thymic carcinoma complicated with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. This case provides insight in to the pathogenesis of thymic carcinoma and its autoimmune effects. Thorough literature search for cases with similar presentation was performed and discussed in this case report