Cervical presentations of thymic anomalies in children

• Published in: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2004-07, Vol.68 (7), p.909-914
• Main Authors: Khariwala, S.S, Nicollas, R, Triglia, J.M, Garabedian, E.N, Marianowski, R, Van Den Abbeele, T, April, M, Ward, R, Koltai, P.J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cervical thymoma; Child; Choristoma - pathology; Choristoma - surgery; Diagnosis, Differential; Ectopic cervical thymus; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Mediastinal Cyst - pathology; Mediastinal Cyst - surgery; Neck; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Diseases - pathology; Spinal Diseases - surgery; Thymic cyst; Thymus Gland
• ISSN: 0165-5876; 1872-8464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2004.02.012

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.