title: [Sero-fibrinous pleurisy and anterior mediastinal mass: a curious association].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thymic tumors are rare representing 19 % of mediastinal masses. They are associated with several parathymic conditions. The association of thymic tumors with systemic lupus erythematosus has rarely been described.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with a sero-fibrinous bilateral exudative pleural effusion operating in a context of alteration in general status. Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was made on the basis of the presence of cutaneous symptoms, pleural effusion, hematological abnormalities and strongly positive lupus serology. Otherwise, thoracic imaging revealed a tissue mass in the thymic lodge. A diagnostic thoracothomy was carried out. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of thymolipoma. The patient was treated by high-dose corticosteroids combined with synthetic antimalarials. Evolution was initially favorable. Lupus nephritis stage IV occurred a year later justifying immunosuppressive therapy. A complete remission was obtained with this treatment 30months of decline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The association between lupus and thymolipoma is exceptional but not accidental. Immunological disorders secondary to the decrease of the thymic function seem to be in the origin of this association.
authors.affiliation: Service de pneumo-allergologie, CHU Hédi Chaker, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie. msaadsameh@yahoo.fr
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Msaad
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ketata
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Abid
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gaddour
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abid
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abdennadher
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mnif
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Bahloul
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ayoub
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008067:Lipoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010998:Pleurisy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids