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Thymic Amyloidosis Mimicking Thymoma: A Case Report
Asuka Tomida1, Motoki Yano1, Tomohiro Setogawa1
1Division of Chest Surgery, Department of Surgery, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan.
Surgical Case Reports
|August 25, 2025
Summary
This case report details thymic amyloidosis, a rare mediastinal lesion that mimics thymoma on imaging. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this uncommon condition.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Anterior mediastinal tumors are most commonly thymic epithelial tumors like thymoma.
- Other mediastinal lesions, such as thymic amyloidosis, are rare but must be considered.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male presented with an anterior mediastinal tumor initially suspected as thymoma.
- Pathological examination revealed amyloid deposits around atrophied thymic tissue, diagnosing thymic amyloidosis.
- Systemic amyloidosis was diagnosed due to concurrent gastric mucosal amyloid deposits.
Findings:
- This case represents one of only nine reported instances of thymic amyloidosis in the literature.
- Thymic amyloidosis shares similar imaging characteristics with thymoma, complicating differential diagnosis.
- The patient achieved 21 months of disease stability after thymectomy and chemotherapy.
Implications:
- Thoracic surgeons should include thymic amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis for anterior mediastinal lesions.
- Awareness of this rare condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management.
- Despite its rarity, thymic amyloidosis can be associated with unfavorable prognoses, necessitating vigilance.
