Thymic hyperplasia in thyroid cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
Although there is a well-recognized association between thymic hyperplasia and benign thyroid disorders, the prevalence of thymic hyperplasia in patients with malignant thyroid diseases has not been previously reported. We performed this study to determine the prevalence and morphologic features of thymic hyperplasia on CT scans of thyroid cancer patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Thymic hyperplasia is commonly observed on CT scans of thyroid cancer patients and almost always demonstrates a characteristic pyramidal configuration. This characteristic appearance should not be mistaken for metastatic disease.
Niendorf
Eric R
ER
BIDMC Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Parker
John A
JA
Yechoor
Vijay
V
Garber
Jeffrey R
JR
Boiselle
Philip M
PM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013952:Thymus Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed