BACKGROUND Multilocular thymic cyst(MTC)is a rare mediastinal lesion which is considered to occur in the process of acquired inflammation.It is usually characterized by well-defined cystic density and is filled with t...BACKGROUND Multilocular thymic cyst(MTC)is a rare mediastinal lesion which is considered to occur in the process of acquired inflammation.It is usually characterized by well-defined cystic density and is filled with transparent liquid.CASE SUMMARY We report on a 39-year-old male with a cystic-solid mass in the anterior mediastinum.Computer tomography(CT)imaging showed that the mass was irregular with unclear boundaries.After injection of contrast agent,there was a slight enhancement of stripes and nodules.According to CT findings,it was diagnosed as thymic cancer.CONCLUSION After surgery,MTC accompanied by bleeding and infection was confirmed by pathological examination.The main lesson of this case was that malignant thymic tumor and MTC of the anterior mediastinum sometimes exhibit similar CT findings.Caution is necessary in clinical work to avoid misdiagnosis.展开更多
This editorial provides insights from a case report by Sun et al published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.The case report focuses on a case where a multilocular thymic cyst(MTC)was misdiagnosed as a thymic tum...This editorial provides insights from a case report by Sun et al published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.The case report focuses on a case where a multilocular thymic cyst(MTC)was misdiagnosed as a thymic tumor,resulting in an unnecessary surgical procedure.Both MTCs and thymic tumors are rare conditions that heavily rely on radiological imaging for accurate diagnosis.However,the similarity in their imaging presentations can lead to misinterpretation,resulting in unnecessary surgical procedures.Due to the ongoing lack of comprehensive knowledge about MTCs and thymic tumors,we offer a summary of diagnostic techniques documented in recent literature and examine potential causes of misdiagnosis.When computer tomography(CT)values surpass 20 Hounsfield units and display comparable morphology,there is a risk of misdiagnosing MTCs as thymic tumors.Employing various differential diagnostic methods like biopsy,molecular biology,multi-slice CT,CT functional imaging,positron emission tomography/CT molecular functional imaging,magnetic resonance imaging and radiomics,proves advantageous in reducing clinical misdiagnosis.A deeper understanding of these conditions requires increased attention and exploration by healthcare providers.Moreover,the continued advancement and utilization of various diagnostic methods are expected to enhance precise diagnoses,provide appropriate treatment options,and improve the quality of life for patients with thymic tumors and MTCs in the future.continued advancement and utilization of various diagnostic methods are expected to enhance precise diagnoses,provide appropriate treatment options,and improve the quality of life for patients with thymic tumors and MTCs in the future.展开更多
We point out the issue of differential diagnosis regarding the finding of ectopically localised thymic tissue(a thymic cyst)in the neck.Thymic tissue can be found anywhere along its developmental tract of descent,from...We point out the issue of differential diagnosis regarding the finding of ectopically localised thymic tissue(a thymic cyst)in the neck.Thymic tissue can be found anywhere along its developmental tract of descent,from the angle of the mandible to the upper mediastinum.Disruption of the thymic descent can result in ectopically/abnormally localised islets of accessory thymic tissue,which may undergo cystic changes,as described in a case report by Sun et al.This anatomical variation of the thymus may be clinically misinterpreted as a neoplasm or other congenital anomalies as a branchial cyst,lymphatic malformation or cystic hygroma.The present editorial focuses on the challenge of establishing a diagnosis of ectopically localised tissue of thymus often presented as a lateral cervical mass,especially in the case of cystic variation/degeneration of this thymic tissue.We summarise hypotheses on the origin of such congenital cervical thymic cysts from the point of view of evolutionary history and embryology.We also discuss lesser-known facts about the anatomy,histopathology and developmental biology of the thymus as one of the most enigmatic organs in the human body.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Multilocular thymic cyst(MTC)is a rare mediastinal lesion which is considered to occur in the process of acquired inflammation.It is usually characterized by well-defined cystic density and is filled with transparent liquid.CASE SUMMARY We report on a 39-year-old male with a cystic-solid mass in the anterior mediastinum.Computer tomography(CT)imaging showed that the mass was irregular with unclear boundaries.After injection of contrast agent,there was a slight enhancement of stripes and nodules.According to CT findings,it was diagnosed as thymic cancer.CONCLUSION After surgery,MTC accompanied by bleeding and infection was confirmed by pathological examination.The main lesson of this case was that malignant thymic tumor and MTC of the anterior mediastinum sometimes exhibit similar CT findings.Caution is necessary in clinical work to avoid misdiagnosis.
基金Project of Special Funds for Science and Technology Cooperation in Guizhou Provinces and Zunyi City,No.Shengshikehe(2015)53.
文摘This editorial provides insights from a case report by Sun et al published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.The case report focuses on a case where a multilocular thymic cyst(MTC)was misdiagnosed as a thymic tumor,resulting in an unnecessary surgical procedure.Both MTCs and thymic tumors are rare conditions that heavily rely on radiological imaging for accurate diagnosis.However,the similarity in their imaging presentations can lead to misinterpretation,resulting in unnecessary surgical procedures.Due to the ongoing lack of comprehensive knowledge about MTCs and thymic tumors,we offer a summary of diagnostic techniques documented in recent literature and examine potential causes of misdiagnosis.When computer tomography(CT)values surpass 20 Hounsfield units and display comparable morphology,there is a risk of misdiagnosing MTCs as thymic tumors.Employing various differential diagnostic methods like biopsy,molecular biology,multi-slice CT,CT functional imaging,positron emission tomography/CT molecular functional imaging,magnetic resonance imaging and radiomics,proves advantageous in reducing clinical misdiagnosis.A deeper understanding of these conditions requires increased attention and exploration by healthcare providers.Moreover,the continued advancement and utilization of various diagnostic methods are expected to enhance precise diagnoses,provide appropriate treatment options,and improve the quality of life for patients with thymic tumors and MTCs in the future.continued advancement and utilization of various diagnostic methods are expected to enhance precise diagnoses,provide appropriate treatment options,and improve the quality of life for patients with thymic tumors and MTCs in the future.
文摘We point out the issue of differential diagnosis regarding the finding of ectopically localised thymic tissue(a thymic cyst)in the neck.Thymic tissue can be found anywhere along its developmental tract of descent,from the angle of the mandible to the upper mediastinum.Disruption of the thymic descent can result in ectopically/abnormally localised islets of accessory thymic tissue,which may undergo cystic changes,as described in a case report by Sun et al.This anatomical variation of the thymus may be clinically misinterpreted as a neoplasm or other congenital anomalies as a branchial cyst,lymphatic malformation or cystic hygroma.The present editorial focuses on the challenge of establishing a diagnosis of ectopically localised tissue of thymus often presented as a lateral cervical mass,especially in the case of cystic variation/degeneration of this thymic tissue.We summarise hypotheses on the origin of such congenital cervical thymic cysts from the point of view of evolutionary history and embryology.We also discuss lesser-known facts about the anatomy,histopathology and developmental biology of the thymus as one of the most enigmatic organs in the human body.
