Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Complete Thymectomy in Adult Rats with Non-invasive Endotracheal Intubation
Published on: December 29, 2014
Myasthenia gravis appearing after thymectomy heralding recurrent thymoma
Paul A J Beckers1, Rudy Mercelis2, Stijn Heyman3
1a Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery , Antwerp University Hospital , Edegem , Belgium.
Introduction:
Thirty to fifty percent of thymoma patients develop myasthenia gravis (MG). In 1.5-28% of cases, MG appears many years after removal of a thymoma.
Patients And Methods:
We present a case report of a 72-year-old female who presented with MG four months after total thymectomy.
Results:
A 72-year-old female patient presents with MG four months after total thymectomy. Imaging revealed a PET-positive nodule anterior to the superior vena cava. By median sternotomy, the nodule was removed at our hospital. Pathology confirmed a recurrent B2/B3 thymoma with R0 resection. No adjuvant therapy was given. Large population studies show the appearance of new-onset MG associated with recurrent thymoma in 3% of cases.
Conclusions:
New-onset MG postthymectomy heralds recurrent disease in 3% of cases. Thorough screening is needed in such patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...