title: Transcervical thymic biopsy in children with immunodeficiency.
abstract: To more fully characterize immunodeficiency states, thymic biopsies add useful information. The transcervical technique is simple and does not require a sternal-splitting procedure. The thymus was much larger than anticipated in 12 of 12 cases so far biopsied, including six cases of severe combined immunodeficiency. A sample of 2-3 gm was readily removed. A slight wound infection was encountered in only one instance; no generalized septic episode resulted.
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000473:pathology*; D007223:Infant; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000473:pathology*