Multilocular thymic cyst associated with Sjögren's syndrome

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pathology
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting exocrine glands.
• Anterior mediastinal masses can present diagnostic challenges, with thymoma being a common consideration.

Observation:

• A 61-year-old woman with Sjögren's syndrome developed an anterior mediastinal mass.
• Preoperative diagnosis suggested Sjögren's syndrome with thymoma.
• Surgical resection revealed a multilocular cystic mass.

Findings:

• Macroscopic examination showed thick-walled multiloculated cavities with turbid fluid.
• Microscopic analysis revealed cyst lining continuous with thymic lobules, inflammation, cholesterol granulomas, and lymphofollicular hyperplasia.
• The final diagnosis was multilocular thymic cysts associated with Sjögren's syndrome.

Implications:

• This case expands the spectrum of thymic pathologies associated with Sjögren's syndrome.
• Multilocular thymic cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
• Understanding this association may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management.