Thymoma-associated multiorgan autoimmunity with cutaneous only presentation: A case report

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Thymoma-associated multiorgan autoimmunity disease (TAMA) presents with graft-versus-host disease-like features.
• Patients with thymomas are susceptible to TAMA.
• Complex medical histories can complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of TAMA with cutaneous manifestations.
• To highlight the association between TAMA, thymoma recurrence, and complex autoimmune conditions.
• To discuss treatment challenges and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 52-year-old woman.
• Detailed medical history review including malignant thymoma, myasthenia gravis, Good's syndrome, and T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia.
• Clinical presentation analysis of a diffuse pruritic rash.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with a pruritic rash consistent with cutaneous TAMA.
• The rash preceded and signaled a recurrence of malignant thymoma.
• The cutaneous eruption was refractory to multiple therapies, showing limited response only to oral corticosteroids.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous TAMA can be a presenting sign of thymoma recurrence.
• TAMA in patients with complex comorbidities presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Corticosteroids may offer limited efficacy in managing refractory TAMA skin manifestations.