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Microscopic thymoma and myasthenia gravis
F Puglisi1, N Finato, L Mariuzzi
1University of Udine, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Microscopic thymoma, a rare entity, was identified in a patient with myasthenia gravis. Further examination revealed epithelial islands in control thymuses, supporting its pathological classification.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder often associated with thymoma.
- Thymomas are tumors of the thymus gland, typically diagnosed macroscopically.
Observation:
- A rare case of a microscopically small thymoma was found in a 56-year-old man with myasthenia gravis.
- Histological examination of his surgically removed thymus revealed epithelial thymoma-like islands.
Findings:
- Epithelial islands were present in 4% of 100 control thymuses from autopsies.
- This supports the classification of "microscopic thymoma" as a distinct pathological entity.
Implications:
- Microscopic thymoma should be considered in myasthenia gravis patients.
- Thymuses without macroscopic thymoma require thorough microscopic examination.