How long does thymic rebound last?
The observation period ranged from 5 months to 8 years from the initial appearance of the enlarged thymus. In five of the nine patients, the thymic enlargement resolved after 1-4.5 years. In four of the nine patients, the thymus remained enlarged during a follow-up ranging from 5 months to 2.5 years.
What causes thymic rebound?
Thymic hyperplasia is an increase in size and weight of a thymus gland that is otherwise normal. It usually is a rebound phenomenon after atrophy caused by corticosteroids or chemotherapy, and it occurs several months after resolution of the cause of atrophy. Occasionally, it may result from hyperthyroidism.
What is thymus rebound?
Rebound hyperplasia of the thymus reflects regrowth of the thymus after temporary atrophy of the gland, which occurs during a period of illness or physical stress. It occurs mainly in children and adolescents. It is very uncommon in adults and has been des- cribed in only a few reports following chemo-therapy (1,2).
Can chemo cause thymic hyperplasia?
Thymectomy performed on the first patient, and close follow-up with radiographic studies on the second patient, revealed benign thymic enlargement. Thymic hyperplasia can occur after cytotoxic chemotherapy and may be due to rebound enlargement after initial atrophy caused by chemotherapy.
What is residual thymus?
Our study demonstrates that residual thymic tissue in the neck is a commonly occurring variant of the normal thymus, which should not be mistaken for pathology. In our study, residual cervical thymus was present throughout all decades of life.
What does the thymus do?
The thymus makes white blood cells called T lymphocytes (also called T cells). These are an important part of the body’s immune system, which helps us to fight infection. The thymus produces all our T cells before we become teenagers.
How does the thymus work in the immune system?
The thymus makes white blood cells called T lymphocytes (also called T cells). These are an important part of the body’s immune system, which helps us to fight infection. The thymus also produces a hormone called thymosin that helps make and develop T cells.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged thymus?
Swelling in the face, neck, and upper chest, sometimes with a bluish color. Swelling of the visible veins in this part of the body. Headaches. Feeling dizzy or light-headed….Symptoms caused by the tumor
- Shortness of breath.
- Cough (which may bring up bloody sputum)
- Chest pain.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
What happens if the thymus is removed?
After puberty, the thymus does not play an important role and removing it does not result in any ill-effects or any problems with the immune system.
How is thymic hyperplasia treated?
Thymic hyperplasia by itself does not require any treatment, but the associated conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, may. In patients with MG and thymic hyperplasia, we will probably recommend surgery to remove the thymus gland.
How is thymic hyperplasia diagnosed?
Thymic hyperplasia could be true thymic or lymphoid hyperplasia. It is usually found incidentally or could present with compressive symptoms or systemic symptoms due to autoimmune disease like myasthenia gravis. The diagnosis is made through a chest CT or MRI. Treatment for symptomatic patients is mostly thymectomy.
At what age does the thymus regress?
Once you reach puberty, the thymus starts to slowly shrink and become replaced by fat. By age 75, the thymus is little more than fatty tissue. Fortunately, the thymus produces all of your T cells by the time you reach puberty.
What is thymic rebound hyperplasia post-chemotherapy?
Thymic rebound hyperplasia post-chemotherapy mistaken as disease progression in a patient with lymphoma involving mediastinum: a case report and reflection
Does chemotherapy cause thymic atrophy?
Chemotherapy can cause thymic atrophy and reduce T-cell output in cancer patients. However, the thymus in young adult patients has regenerative potential after chemotherapy, manifesting as thymic hyperplasia which can be easily mistaken as residual disease or recurrence in patients suffering lymphoma.
Does thymic function renewal occur after chemotherapy?
It is reported that patients with an enlarged thymus after chemotherapy have a more rapid recovery of thymic output, suggesting that regrowth of the thymic structure serves as a basis for thymic function renewal [ 6, 11, 15 ].
What is thymic hyperplasia in young adult lymphoma?
However, the thymus in young adult patients has regenerative potential after chemotherapy, manifesting as thymic hyperplasia which can be easily mistaken as residual disease or recurrence in patients suffering lymphoma.
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