Pure Red Cell Aplasia Following Thymothymectomy: A Case Report
- Author:
Anuradha Ck Rao
;
Bhavna Nayal
;
Chethan Manohar
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
erythropoiesis;
mediastinum;
pure red cell aplasia;
thymoma
- MeSH:
Erythropoiesis;
Mediastinum;
Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure;
Thymoma
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2013;20(5):83-85
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Thymoma, a rare epithelial neoplasm, is the most common anterior-superior mediastinal tumour. Thymoma can occur sporadically or in association with other conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), and hypogammaglobulinemia. Only 5% of thymoma cases develop PRCA; however, 10–50% of patients presenting with PRCA have an associated spindle cell type thymoma. Thymoma complicated by PRCA is associated with a poor outcome. We report the case of a 38-year-old female who presented with chest pain, and was diagnosed with an anterior mediastinal mass. A thymectomy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed mixed thymoma; two months later, the patient developed PRCA. The present case reinforces the need for clinicians to be vigilant with thymoma patients, even following thymectomy.
