Imaging of thymic disorders.
Evaluation of the thymus poses a challenge to the radiologist. In addition to age-related changes in thymic size, shape, and tissue composition, there is considerable variability in the normal adult thymic appearance within any age group. Many different types of disorders may affect the thymus, including hyperplasia, cysts, and benign and malignant neoplasms, both primary and secondary; clinical and imaging findings typical for each disease process are described in this article. Whereas computed tomography is the mainstay for imaging the thymus, other imaging modalities may occasionally provide additional structural or functional information.
Bogot
Naama R
NR
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. nbogot@med.umich.edu
Quint
Leslie E
LE
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008476:Mediastinal Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*