Computed tomography of the thymus of children under 10 years

The CT appearance of the mediastinum of 27 patients under 10 years of age was analysed retrospectively, paying special attention to the anterior mediastinum and thymus. None of the patients had thymic disease. The purpose of the study was to record features which might be regarded as characteristic of the normal thymus. The lateral contour of the thymus was clearly seen. There were no infiltrations, but in one case there were displacements due to a prominent thymus. All the thymus glands appeared to be homogeneous. The use of contrast medium helped in distinguishing the thymus from other mediastinal structures; its use is well justified in studying the anterior mediastinum.