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Congenital thymic cysts in children--mostly misdiagnosed
M Hendrickson1, K Azarow, S Ein
1Department of Surgery, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas 89109, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|July 11, 1998
Summary
Thymic cysts, rare benign neck and mediastinal masses in children, are often misdiagnosed but can cause symptoms. Complete surgical excision is effective for these treatable lesions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Thymic cysts are uncommon lesions in the neck and mediastinum.
- Despite being often overlooked, thymic cysts can present with significant symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the authors' experience with thymic cysts in pediatric patients.
- To compare findings with existing literature on diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 14 pediatric patients with thymic cysts from 1984-1997.
- All patients underwent complete surgical excision; acquired cysts were excluded.
Main Results:
- Patients ranged from 2 weeks to 16 years old, with cysts located in the cervical, mediastinal, or both regions.
- Seven children were symptomatic, presenting with wheezing, respiratory infections, cough, and fever.
- Diagnostic imaging included chest radiograph, contrast esophagram, sonography (US), and computerized tomography (CT); only two diagnoses were made preoperatively.
Conclusions:
- Thymic cysts are rare, benign entities that warrant consideration in the differential diagnosis of pediatric cervical and mediastinal masses.
- Complete excision is a successful treatment modality for these lesions.
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