Diagnosis and management of ectopic cervical thymus in children: Systematic review of the literature

Chang, Anette; Nataraja, Ramesh M.; Pudel, Eduard; Stunden, R. J.; Baré, Stephen; Pacilli, Maurizio

doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.03.003

Cited by 12 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 69 publications

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“…Ultrasound is considered the first-line imaging modality in diagnosing cervical ectopic thymus, as ECT is characterized by the presence of echogenic flecks in a hypoechoic background known as the “Starry Sky Appearance” [ 4 ]. Computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently needed for further assessment and anatomical clarification of the mass.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently needed for further assessment and anatomical clarification of the mass. MRI may detect a connection extending from the cervical thymus to the mediastinal thymus, aiding in the diagnosis of ECT [ 4 , 22 , 23 ]. The density of a solid ectopic thymus appears identical to that of a mediastinal thymus on an MRI; however, it is also similar to other lymphatic structures.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The density of a solid ectopic thymus appears identical to that of a mediastinal thymus on an MRI; however, it is also similar to other lymphatic structures. Thus, it is difficult to diagnose an ectopic thymus preoperatively even on MRI [ 4 , 24 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The sole confirmatory method for the diagnosis of ectopic cervical thymus is via histopathological examination [ 4 ]. The presence of Hassall’s corpuscles on microscopic examination, as found in our case, is a pathognomonic feature for an ectopic thymus.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Patients with ectopic thymus are usually asymptomatic; however, compressive symptoms may occur in some cases, presenting with feeding difficulties, breathing difficulties, or Horner’s syndrome in rare cases [ 4 , 5 ]. Although ECT is an uncommon condition, it should be suspected in children presenting with a unilateral neck mass to avoid unnecessary invasive interventions [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Solid Ectopic Cervical Thymus: A Case Report

Alnosair¹,

Alnosair²,

Saleh³

et al. 2022

Cureus

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The thymus gland is a lymphoid organ normally located in the superior anterior mediastinum. It can rarely present abnormally in other sites along the thymopharyngeal canal and it might cause difficulties in breathing and/or feeding. We present a case report of an ectopic cervical thymus of a 10-month-old male infant who was presented to the hospital with a swelling on the left side of his neck for nine months. Investigations raised suspicion about four differential diagnoses and a total surgical excision for histopathological confirmation was deemed mandatory. It is of great importance to consider ectopic cervical thymus in the differential diagnosis of pediatric neck masses to avoid unnecessary procedures and prevent possible complications.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%