Abstract
Objective: To better define the clinical manifestations, radiologic imaging and the surgical management of cervical thymic lesions in children. Study design: Multi-center retrospective case review. Methods: The charts of all children with pathologically confirmed thymic lesions at six children's hospitals (1990-2002) were reviewed for demographics, physical findings, X-ray findings, operative outcomes and pathology. Results: There were a total of 15 children, 2 of whom had ectopic cervical thymus and 13 who had thymic cysts. They ranged in age from 1 month to 18 years. Thymic lesions were more common in males. Ectopic cervical thymus was best defined by MRI whereas thymic cyst had a more consistent appearance on CT. All children had successful surgical resection with no recorded complications or recurrences. Conclusions: Cervical thymic lesions are rare. Ectopic cervical thymus tends to be found primarily in infants whereas thymic cysts occur in a wider age range. Radiologic imaging is important but is not histologically specific. Definitive diagnosis and cure requires complete surgical excision.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 909-914 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1 2004 |
Keywords
- Cervical thymoma
- Ectopic cervical thymus
- Thymic cyst