Recurrence of thymic hyperplasia after trans-sternal thymectomy in myasthenia gravis

Chest. 1986 Jun;89(6):888-9. doi: 10.1378/chest.89.6.888.

Abstract

A 23-year-old woman with myasthenia gravis underwent thymectomy in September, 1975 by a trans-sternal approach for the removal of an hyperplastic gland. Surgical intervention was followed by marked improvement of her symptoms. Five years later, symptoms recurred. In March, 1982 diagnostic pneumomediastinum disclosed an anterosuperior mediastinal mass which, on excision, proved to be an hyperplastic thymus. This report confirms previous findings of thymus regrowth after surgery. It also demonstrates that surgical techniques using the trans-sternal approach do not guarantee complete removal of the thymus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia / diagnostic imaging
  • Hyperplasia / surgery
  • Myasthenia Gravis / therapy*
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Sternum
  • Thymectomy*
  • Thymus Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thymus Gland / pathology*