A Case of Aberrant Cervical Thymus in a One-year-old Boy
10.13029/jkaps.1996.2.1.64
- Author:
Seong Chaol LEE
1
;
Seok Jin YANG
;
Woo Ki KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Thymus;
Ectopic;
Cervical;
Children
- MeSH:
Branchioma;
Carotid Artery, External;
Child;
Frozen Sections;
Humans;
Hypoglossal Nerve;
Male;
Mediastinal Cyst;
Mediastinum;
Neck;
Skull Base;
Thymus Gland;
Ultrasonography
- From:Journal of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons
1996;2(1):64-67
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Aberrant migration of thymic tissue occurs as an ectopic thymus in the mediastinum, base of skull, tracheal bifurcation, and cervical region. A recent review of the literature by Nowak et al. showed over 70 reported cases of aberrant thymus or thymic cyst in patients who presented with primary neck masses. Authors experienced a case of ectopic cervical thymus and reviewed the literature. A one-year-old boy with left neck swelling which had been noticed since one month of age visited out patient clinic. Ultrasonography showed a well-defined cystic mass containing homogeneous, low-echogenic content locating in the lateral aspect of the left carotid sheath. Operation was performed under the impression of branchial cleft cyst. At surgery, a multiseptated, well-encapsulated, brownish and doughy mass which was extending into the vicinity of the carotid bifurcation with sland stalk-like portion ending between the hypoglossal nerve and external carotid artery was excised completely. The cut-surface showed homogenous solid mass, and on frozen section the tissue revealed a normal thymic histology. Postoperative ultrasonography showed bilateral thymus in the superior mediastinum. The patient has no immunologic problem and is doing well now.
