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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
05:47
Isolation and Transplantation of Different Aged Murine Thymic Grafts.
Published on: May 13, 2015
Thymoma, immunodeficiency, and herpes simplex virus infections
M Méan1, M D Schaller, S Asner
1Department of intensive care medicine, centre hospitalier universitaire Vaudois, university of Lausanne, route du Bugnon, Lausanne, Switzerland. Marie.Mean@chuv.ch
Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses
|March 10, 2009
Summary
Thymoma with immunodeficiency (formerly Good syndrome) increases the risk of severe herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. Early diagnosis and monitoring of immunoglobulin levels are crucial for managing this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Thymoma, a tumor of the thymus, is associated with immunodeficiency in 3-6% of cases, known as thymoma with immunodeficiency (formerly Good syndrome).
- This rare, adult-onset condition involves defects in both humoral and cell-mediated immunity, leading to recurrent bacterial and opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- This report details a case of thymoma with immunodeficiency complicated by disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.
- A review of five additional cases since 1966 revealed HSV-related infections presenting as epiglottitis, keratitis, genital herpes, dermatitis, and hepatitis.
Findings:
- Four out of six patients with thymoma and HSV infection experienced a fatal outcome.
- Two of these deaths were directly attributed to disseminated HSV infection, highlighting its severity in this population.
Implications:
- Patients with thymoma with immunodeficiency face a high risk of invasive opportunistic infections like HSV.
- Regular monitoring of lymphocyte counts and serum immunoglobulin levels is recommended for early detection and management.
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