A rhabdomyoma within a multilocular thymic cyst in a p53-null mouse

A 9-month-old p53-null female mouse was found dead in its cage. At necropsy, a large thymic mass encompassed the heart. Microscopically, the mass was composed of numerous varying-sized cysts lined with simple squamous epithelial cells to columnar ciliated cells. Also present within this mass was a large aggregate of loosely arranged fusiform-shaped cells. These cells also were found in smaller numbers in the connective tissue surrounding the cysts. The larger aggregate of fusiform cells was positive for desmin and S-100 and negative for smooth muscle actin. Electron microscopy revealed well-formed Z lines and I bands of skeletal muscle phenotype. A diagnosis of rhabdomyoma within a congenital multilocular thymic cyst was made. The thymus contains a small population of myoid cells, which should be taken in consideration when evaluating thymic tumors.