Ectopic cervical thymus associated with infant death: 2 case reports and literature review

Abstract An ectopic cervical thymus is a rare congenital anomaly that can be located anywhere along the developmental pathway of thymic descent. Most lesions manifest as a cystic mass and have an indolent course. Two fatal cases associated with ectopic cervical thymus in the form of a solid mass are...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2013-09, Vol.77 (9), p.1609-1612
Main Authors: Ishida, Tokiko, Kotani, Hirokazu, Miyao, Masashi, Abiru, Hitoshi, Kawai, Chihiro, Osamura, Toshio, Tamaki, Keiji
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Airway Obstruction - diagnostic imaging
Airway Obstruction - etiology
Autopsy
Cervical Vertebrae
Choristoma - complications
Choristoma - diagnostic imaging
Ectopic cervical thymus
Humans
Infant
Male
Mechanical asphyxia
Otolaryngology
Pediatrics
Prone Position
Rare Diseases
Sudden and unexpected infant death
Sudden Infant Death - etiology
Supine Position
Thymus Gland
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Tracheal Diseases - complications
Tracheal Diseases - diagnostic imaging
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Summary:Abstract An ectopic cervical thymus is a rare congenital anomaly that can be located anywhere along the developmental pathway of thymic descent. Most lesions manifest as a cystic mass and have an indolent course. Two fatal cases associated with ectopic cervical thymus in the form of a solid mass are presented in conjunction with a review of the clinicopathological characteristics of the solid form. This report emphasizes the importance of considering a diagnosis of ectopic cervical thymus in infants with neck masses, with or without obstructive symptoms, to prevent possibly fatal outcomes.
ISSN:0165-5876
1872-8464
DOI:10.1016/j.ijporl.2013.06.030