Enlargement of the thymus following chemotherapy for non-seminomatous testicular cancer.
The thickness of the largest thymic lobe at computed tomography (CT) was measured retrospectively in 21 relapse free patients who had undergone chemotherapy for non-seminomatous testicular cancer. CT was performed at initial staging, at completion of chemotherapy and 3 to 12 months later. Enlargement of the thymus occurred in 7 patients, one of whom had a reduced thymic size at the first two examinations after chemotherapy. A temporary reduction was detected in another patient in whom the original thymic size was regained 19 months after start of chemotherapy. The mean age of the group with thymic enlargement was 21 years compared with a mean age of 28 years in the group with no increased size. The age difference between the two groups was significant (p less than 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test). To reduce the number of explorative thoracotomies the frequent occurrence of thymic enlargement after chemotherapy for non-seminomatous testicular cancer should be kept in mind.
Abildgaard
A
A
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo.
Lien
H H
HH
Fosså
S D
SD
Høie
J
J
Langholm
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001761:Bleomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D001761:Bleomycin; D014747:Vinblastine; D005047:Etoposide; D002945:Cisplatin