Thymus disease symptoms in adults treatment. Symptoms of an enlarged thymus gland in children

The thymus gland in children consists of two structural sections: cervical and thoracic, and it is located in anterior mediastinum. It is necessary to immediately clarify that this gland predominates mainly in childhood, for which it received the characteristic name “gland of childhood”; in adult organisms, in most cases, the cervical pouch is absent. A completely appropriate question arises: what functions does the thymus gland perform in children?

Purpose thymus gland

The main task of this body is the regulation of lymphocyte differentiation, that is, the transformation of hematopoietic stem cells into T-lymphocytes directly occurs in it. Obtained from thymus tissue extracts biological drugs, significantly stimulating reactions cellular immunity and enhancing the creation of antibodies, which leads to an increase in the number of T-lymphocytes in the blood.

Causes of pathology

However, it is fair to note that in some clinical cases pathologies associated specifically with this organ are diagnosed, in particular, enlargement of the thymus gland. What provokes this pathological process? Quite often, such an anomaly becomes a consequence (complication) past illness, but also occurs genetic factor. The thymus gland in newborns progresses as a result of the abnormal course of the mother’s pregnancy, late conception, nephropathy, infectious diseases mother.

The thymus gland in children is mainly diagnosed clinically, that is, its pathologies are reliably detected by X-ray, immunological, and similar examinations are carried out after the detection of a number of characteristic symptoms.

Symptoms of the disease

So, the appearance of a neck pocket is often accompanied by an unstable weight of the baby, that is, he either rapidly gains weight or also quickly loses it. In addition, the child may have venous mesh on skin, bluish skin, sweating and frequent regurgitation.

Such children have weakened immunity and therefore more often than others suffer from viral and respiratory diseases, and also constantly need productive prevention and seasonal recovery.

Productive treatment

However, first of all, the thymus gland in children requires timely treatment, which should be prescribed exclusively experienced specialist, based on the degree of disease progression and general condition young patient. To begin with, children are recommended to have strictly limited vaccinations, which are also adjusted by the leading pediatrician. Productive treatment can be either conservative or surgical, but the latter case is appropriate only when drug intervention has not produced tangible results. In addition, it should be understood that removal of the thymus gland in newborns can significantly disrupt the formation of immunity, as well as suppress natural processes growth, which is extremely undesirable.

Nutrition for children with similar problem, must be balanced and also contain a large number of vitamin C. In addition, it is advisable to take licorice to stimulate the adrenal cortex, and in case of relapses, glucocorticoids (up to 5 days) and adaptogens are recommended. The child remains under medical examination throughout the treatment.

Symptoms of the disease are not always clearly expressed, but at the slightest “hint” of an enlarged thymus gland, the pediatrician prescribes an immediate examination, and then, judging by the results, alternative treatment.

The strength of the immune system depends on many factors. The condition of the thymus gland affects the level protective forces the body and the ability to resist foreign agents. If the functioning of the thymus gland is disrupted, viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and pathogenic fungi spread unhindered through the tissues, and severe infectious diseases develop.

How dangerous is damage to the thymus gland in young children? What thymus pathologies occur in adults? What to do for thymus diseases? The answers are in the article.

Thymus gland: what is it?

For a long time, doctors cannot come to a consensus on which system the thymus belongs to: lymphoid or endocrine. This circumstance does not reduce the role of the gland, which performs active protective function. Experiments on animals have shown that when the thymus is removed, foreign agents do not encounter resistance, quickly penetrate the cells, and it is difficult for the body to cope with a dangerous infection.

During the first 12 months after the birth of a child, it is the thymus gland that protects the body from the influence of pathogenic microorganisms. As it grows and develops, other organs take over some of their functions.

From bone marrow stem cells periodically move to the thymus, then the process of their transformation begins. It is in the thymus gland that the formation, “training” and active movement of T-lymphocytes occurs - immune cells. Differentiation in thymus tissue allows one to obtain specific cells that fight foreign agents, but do not destroy elements own body. When the functioning of the thymus gland is disrupted, autoimmune pathologies, when the body perceives its cells as foreign, it attacks them, which leads to malfunctions and severe damage.

Where is the thymus gland located? Most likely, not everyone knows the answer to the question. An important organ, without which the production of T-lymphocytes is impossible, is mentioned less often than thyroid gland or the pituitary gland, but without the thymus the body becomes practically defenseless upon penetration dangerous bacteria and viruses.

The thymus gland is easy to identify with x-rays, in the upper part chest (dark spot in the upper mediastinum, just behind the sternum). In case of anomalies in the development of an important organ responsible for the strength of the immune system, individual lobules grow into the tissue thyroid gland, found in the tonsil area, soft tissues cervical region, fatty tissue of the posterior (less often) or anterior (more often) mediastinum. Aberrant thymus is detected in 25% of patients; in most cases, females are affected.

Occasionally, doctors record ectopia of the thymus in newborns. Pathology occurs on the left side of the mediastinum, more often in boys. Cardiologists note: with ectopia of the thymus, 75% of patients have birth defects heart muscle.

Functions

The main function of the thymus gland is to produce T-lymphocytes to protect the body. The thymus not only produces specific cells, but also selects them to destroy dangerous microorganisms.

Other features:

• production of thymus hormones (thymopoietin, IGF-1, thymosin, thymalin), without which it is impossible correct work all organs and systems;
• participates in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary system;
• supports immune protection at a high level;
• responsible for optimal rates of skeletal growth;
• thymus hormones exhibit nootropic effect, reduce the level of anxiety, stabilize the functional activity of the central nervous system.

Important! Hypofunction of the thymus gland negatively affects the immune defense: the organ produces fewer T-lymphocytes or, in this type of pathology, the cells are not sufficiently differentiated. In children under one year of age, the thymus is large, before the onset of puberty the organ is growing. With aging, the thymus gland shrinks, old age Often a specific organ merges with adipose tissue; the weight of the thymus is only 6 g. For this reason, the strength of the immune system in older people is much lower than in young people.

Structure

The organ has a lobed surface, soft consistency, and a grayish-pink tint. Capsule from connective tissue has two lobes of sufficient density, adjacent or fused to each other. The upper element is narrow, the lower one is wide. The name of the organ appeared against the background of similarities upper lobe with a two-pronged fork.

Other parameters: width, on average, 4 cm, length of an important organ - 5 cm, weight - up to 15 g. By 12-13 years, the thymus becomes larger, longer - up to 8-16 cm, weight - from 20 to 37 g.

Causes of thymus problems

In some patients, doctors detect congenital anomalies development of the thymus: the action of T-lymphocytes is aimed at destroying not foreign agents, but cells of the body’s own. Chronic autoimmune pathologies negatively affect the patient’s condition, the body weakens, at the same time, bacteria and dangerous viruses reproduce unhindered in tissues after human infection. Requires constant use of medications to prevent severe consequences against the background of weak immunity.

Other causes of thymus dysfunction:

• impact high doses ionizing radiation;
• genetic predisposition;
• difficult environmental conditions in the region of residence;
• non-compliance by a pregnant woman with the rules of taking medications, irradiation during fetal development.

Learn about symptoms in women, as well as treatment options for the pathology.

There is a page on how to take the hormonal drug Duphaston when planning a pregnancy.

Go to the address and read about the first signs of ovarian inflammation in women, as well as the features of treatment for the disease.

Diseases

At frequent colds, sharp decline immunity in newborns, doctors recommend examining the thymus gland in children. It is this organ that is responsible for the level of the body’s defenses in early age. In case of severe damage to the thymus, doctors recommend removing the problematic organ that does not produce healthy T-lymphocytes. For mild to moderate disorders in the structure and function of the thymus gland, a course of immunomodulators will be required to maintain an optimal level of immunity.

Pathological processes in the thymus occur both in childhood and in adult patients. Dysfunction is often combined with autoimmune lesions of the thymus gland. Damage to an important organ also occurs against the background of a malignant tumor process and hematological diseases.

Diseases of the thymus develop much less frequently than lesions of other organs that regulate basic processes in the body and produce hormones. Pathologies of the hypothalamus, ovaries, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland are more common, especially in middle-aged and older patients age category(40 years or more).

Main types of thymus lesions:

• benign and malignant tumors. Types: lymphomas, germinal formations, carcinomas. In childhood, the tumor process occurs rarely; most cases of pathologies were recorded in women and men at 40 years of age and later. IN in rare cases biologically benign neoplasms have areas of cystic necrosis;
• congenital pathologies. DiGeorge syndrome has several signs: congenital hypoparathyroidism, defects of the arteries, veins and heart muscle, aplasia of the gland with a lack of T-lymphocyte selection. Increased risk at an early age fatal outcome in children from tetany (severe seizures), as the child grows older, the child’s body is faced with persistent and recurrent infectious diseases;
• thymic hyperplasia. Neuromuscular pathology occurs with disruption of the process of impulse transmission through myoneural connections from autoantibodies to acetylcholine receptors. With hyperplasia, lymphoid follicles appear in the tissues of the gland. Similar pathological changes develop with many autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Graves' disease;
• thymus cysts. Tumor formations most often do not show characteristic features, indicating a pathological process in the thymus, which complicates timely detection cyst. In most cases, cavities with mucous and serous contents are identified during surgical treatment. Diameter cystic formations rarely reaches 4 cm, tumor-like structures are spherical or branching.

Treatment of pathologies of the thymus gland is a long process. Chronic diseases autoimmune nature cannot be eliminated, you can only reduce the level negative impact T-lymphocytes on body cells. Taking immunomodulators and B vitamins increases resistance to infections and normalizes nervous regulation.

The thymus gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. In case of immunological disorders, you need to take medications prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of destruction healthy cells. If a child in the first year of life is often sick, it is necessary to check the condition of the thymus gland to exclude congenital autoimmune pathologies. Regular intake of vitamins, proper nutrition, preventive measures in the autumn-winter period, hardening helps strengthen the immune system.

In the following video, the specialist will clearly explain what the thymus gland is and why it is needed in the human body, and will also instruct on what to do if the doctor talks about an enlarged thymus:

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Hyperplastic processes in the thymus gland are characterized by an increase in the amount of its parenchyma, which is usually manifested by an increase in its size and weight. However, the latter, depending on age, can be expressed in varying degrees. In this regard, Schminke (1926) proposed to distinguish between thymic hyperplasia in children and adults, noting that hyperplasia in children is always accompanied by an increase in the size and weight of the thymus gland, while in adults its increase is often only relative and it is in the majority cases does not exceed the size and weight of the thymus gland in children. Similar changes in the thymus gland in adults are often described as persistence (preservation) or subinvolution (Hammar, 1926; Tesseraux, 1956).
As already indicated, the thymus gland is very sensitive to various hormonal influences. At the same time, glucocorticoids and sex hormones are its antagonists, while thyroxine has a stimulating effect on it. In accordance with this, an increase in the production of thyroxine in Graves' disease, as well as a decrease or cessation of the production of glucocorticoids or sex hormones, which is observed in Addison's disease, atrophy of the adrenal cortex and during castration, naturally lead to hyperplasia of the thymus gland. Tesseraux (1956, 1959) noted hyperplasia of the thymus gland also in acromegaly. However, it remains unclear with which specific ones hormonal disorders this may be related.
Histologically, hyperplastic processes in the thymus gland do not always manifest themselves in the same way. In children and people young the thymus gland with hyperplasia most often retains its normal structure. In slightly enlarged lobules there is a clear division into the cortical and medulla layers. In the latter, typical Hassall bodies are found, the number of which is sometimes increased. However, the ratio between the cortical and medulla layers in hyperplasia can vary significantly, and in some cases the cortical layer is predominant, in others - the medulla. In accordance with this, Schridde (1911) proposed to distinguish between hyperplasia of the cortical and medulla thymus gland. It should, however, be taken into account that the narrowing of the cortical layer and the presence of degenerative forms of Hassall's bodies, often noted when examining the thymus gland in the deceased, may be a consequence of processes that arise in connection with the disease that was the cause of death and during agony.
A manifestation of thymic hyperplasia should also be considered the formation of lymphatic follicles in its lobules, often with typical reproduction centers (Fig. 11), as is often observed in lymphoid tissue. In children and young people, this is usually combined with general hyperplasia of the thymus gland in the form of an increase in the size of its lobules and the presence of a well-defined cortical layer in them, while in older people the formation of lymphatic follicles in the thymus gland is often the only manifestation of its hyperplasia. Mackay calls such changes in the thymus gland dysplastic.

Finally, to hyperplastic processes One should also include the appearance of peculiar glandular formations, often found against the background of involutive changes in the thymus gland. They were first described by Sultan (1896). They were later observed by Lochte (1899) and Weise (1940), who dedicated to them special studies. They are usually not numerous and are found along the periphery of individual lobules in the form of single glandular cells (Fig. 12), entirely filled with cells or containing small gaps. Along the periphery of the cells there are larger cells, often forming a palisade-shaped basal layer. The cells have a pronounced basement membrane, which is best seen when sections are processed using the PHIK reaction or impregnated with silver according to Foote.
We found similar glandular cells in the thymus gland in 68 of the 145 examined dead. In men and women they were observed with approximately the same frequency, which increased as the age of the deceased increased. At the same time, the youngest deceased in whom such glandular cells were found was a 21-year-old man who died from acute leukemia. These data completely coincide with the data of other researchers (Sultan, 1896; Lochte, 1899; Weise, 1940; Tesseraux, 1959). IN Lately similar glandular cells were also found in children with alymphoplasia of the thymus (Blackburn, Gordon, 1967).
Rice. 11. Lymphatic follicles with reproduction centers in the lobules of the thymus gland in progressive myasthenia. a-uv, 40X; 6-120X.
Rice. 12. Glandular cells in the lobules of the thymus.
ah-dead from alcoholic delirium complicated by pneumonia. Hematoxylin-eosin staining. Uv. 200X; used by the deceased from rheumatic heart disease. Treatment using the CHIC reaction. Uv. 1&OXI for the same reason. Impregnation with silver according to Ft. Uv. 240X.
Weise (1940), who specifically studied these glandular formations in the thymus gland of people, called them primitive bodies, believing that Hassall's corpuscles are formed from them. However, this assumption is contradicted by their different localization, as well as the fact that these glandular cells are found in the thymus gland not in early childhood, when it occurs intensive education Hassal's corpuscle, and more late period, When further education Hassall's corpuscle stops or has already completely ended. In addition, these glandular cells differ from Hassall's bodies in the presence basement membranes and the absence of accumulation of glycolipids in their cells and lumens, so characteristic of Hassall bodies.
At the same time, the undoubted epithelial nature of these cells and their great similarity with the tubular formations of the epithelial primordium of the thymus gland in the early phases of its development (see Fig. 6) allow, it seems to us, to consider them as the result of proliferation of epithelial elements of the thymus gland, which has a reactive nature . In light of the currently developing idea about the participation of epithelial elements of the thymus gland in the production humoral factors(E. 3. Yusfina, 1958; E. 3. Yusfina and I.N. Kamenskaya, 1959; Metcalf, 1966) these formations are of undoubted interest. The appearance of similar glandular cells in the thymus gland of rats after administration of Freund's adjuvant, noted by G. Ya. Svet-Moldavsky and L. I. Rafkina (1963), allows us to think about their relationship to immunological reactions. This assumption is well-known confirmed in the results of our research. Analysis possible dependence formation of glandular cells in the thymus gland in those examined who died from the presence of infectious diseases inflammatory processes showed that glandular cells were observed in 45 out of 65 deaths with infectious inflammatory processes, while out of 80 deaths without infectious inflammatory processes they were found only in 23. The noted differences in the frequency of detection of glandular cells in the thymus gland in these two groups of deaths are statistically significant ( y == == 6.82; p< 0,01).
Thymic hyperplasia may be accompanied by various clinical manifestations and be a consequence of others pathological processes. At the same time, the nature of its changes in different cases may have some features that should be examined specifically.
Tumor-like hyperplasia
In some cases, the only manifestation of thymic hyperplasia is an increase in its size. This is often discovered by chance when X-ray examination organs of the chest, undertaken for a completely different reason. In other cases, the thymus gland, due to a significant increase in size, begins to put pressure on neighboring organs and nerves, causing a feeling of pressure behind the sternum, coughing, difficulty breathing, and sometimes swelling of the face and neck, which forces the patient to see a doctor. The cause of these disorders is determined after an X-ray examination reveals an enlargement of the thymus gland.
The clinical and radiological manifestations of such hyperplasia are very similar to tumors of the thymus and their difficulties differential diagnosis allow us to call it tumor-like hyperplasia. It should be emphasized that with tumor-like hyperplasia, no matter how severe it is, unlike tumors, the shape of the thymus gland is always preserved. This can sometimes be detected already by X-ray examination and is clearly visible during surgery (O. A. Lenzner, 1968) or during autopsies of the dead.
Histologically, the thymus gland with tumor-like hyperplasia, regardless of the patient’s age, retains its structure. In its lobules a distinct medulla, rich in lymphocytes and containing Hassal's bodies, is found.
After successful removal of the hyperplastic thymus gland in patients, no clinically significant disorders are observed, and, as shown long-term results, traced by O. A. Lenzner (1968), in some cases they remain practically healthy people for up to 10 years or more.

Thymic-lymphatic condition (Status thymico-lymphaticus)

It has long been noted that in some cases of sudden death of people, the only change detected during their pathological examination is an enlargement of the thymus gland, often combined with hyperplasia of the entire lymphatic system. For a long time death in such cases was attempted to be explained by mechanical compression of the trachea or nerve trunks passing near the enlarged thymus gland. However, in 1889, Paltauff put forward the idea that these changes were a manifestation of a special constitutional condition, which he called Status thymico-lymphaticus, and that the death of people in this case occurs as a result of the toxic influence of a malfunctioning enlarged thymus gland. Subsequently, these ideas were again subject to revision and the very existence of the thymic-lnmphatic state began to be questioned.
The basis for this, apparently, was data on better preservation of the thymus gland in those who died a violent death compared to those who died from diseases, which was erroneously interpreted as its hyperplasia and created a false impression of the high frequency of thymic hyperplasia in healthy people. The references given to German authors should be considered unfounded, since Aschoff, Beitzke and Schmorl, who spoke at a conference on military pathology held in Berlin in 1916, emphasized the rarity of hyperplastic changes in the thymus gland in those killed in the war, and Beneke, who discovered its hyperplasia in a number of deceased wounded people was associated with atrophy of the adrenal glands.
The doubts expressed regarding the existence of a thymic-lymphatic condition, according to Sugg (1945), are based not so much on observations as on prejudice. With an impartial attitude, it is impossible to deny cases of sudden death in young people, in whom, if not the only, then the most outwardly expressed of those detected at autopsy morphological changes is an enlargement of the thymus gland and lymph nodes. We have to deal with this from time to time. For example, we had to participate in the analysis of the cause of death of a 19-year-old man, which occurred suddenly a few hours after tonsillectomy, in the absence of bleeding and any other complications. During its autopsy (prosector M.F. Gusenkova), apart from signs of acute venous congestion and a significant enlargement of the thymus gland, no other changes were found. Sugg (1945), who analyzed the results of an examination of 500 children who suddenly died, could not find any other changes in 49 of them that would explain the onset of death, except for an enlargement of the thymus gland.
At the same time, it is now hardly possible to connect the onset of sudden death in thymic hyperplasia with the hypothetical toxic influences. The causes of death in this case should, apparently, be sought in the insufficiency of the adrenal glands, in which, with hyperplasia of the thymus gland, as shown by the studies of Wiesel (1912), Beneke (1916) and what was noted in the above-mentioned own observation, pronounced atrophic changes are often found.
Obviously, thymic hyperplasia itself, observed in sudden death, is one of the manifestations of adrenal insufficiency (Selye, 1937). From these positions, the onset of sudden death of young people after seemingly mild injuries becomes more understandable. surgical interventions, such as tonsillectomy, appendectomy, or simply when bathing, mental trauma etc., which is also confirmed in modern ideas about the general adaptation syndrome (Selye, 1930). In this regard, it is interesting to note that with thymic hyperplasia in castrates sudden death not observed (Hammar, 1926).
Histological changes in the thymus gland in the thymic-lymphatic state do not have characteristic features. In its lobules there is a well-defined cortical layer and a medulla containing Hassal's bodies.

05/11/2011 The thymus gland or thymus is important body immune system, which in childhood is responsible for the formation of primary immunity. It is located just behind the sternum in the anterior mediastinum (the mediastinum is the space in chest cavity, limited by the lungs on both sides) and partially extends to the neck. In adults, at the age of 20-25, the functioning of the thymus gland stops, and it gradually turns into fatty tissue.

Tumors, cysts, metastases of cancer of other organs, and lymphomas may appear in the thymus. Thymomas are the most common tumors of the thymus gland. They may or may not grow into surrounding tissue. By histological structure Thymomas are classified as tumors with uncertain behavior.

Often patients do not present any complaints, and thymomas are an incidental finding on CT examination of the chest. Some patients experience a number of symptoms (see).

However special property diseases of the thymus gland, distinguishing them from other neoplasms, are the so-called “parathymic syndromes”. These include hypogammaglobulinemia, red bone marrow hypoplasia, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, aplastic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. However, the most common of them is a neurological disease - autoimmune myasthenia, which occurs in more than 40% of patients with thymomas.

Myasthenia gravis is a disease characterized by autoimmune damage to the neuromuscular junction, leading to difficulty or complete blockage of signal transmission from the nerve to the muscle fiber. It manifests itself as weakness and pathological fatigue various groups skeletal muscles. The thymus gland in a patient with myasthenia gravis produces autoantibodies that block acetylcholine receptors and, thereby, transmitting a signal about movement from the nerve to the muscle.

Most often, the disease begins with double vision in the evening, the inability to raise the eyelids and changes in voice (nasality) in the evenings or after prolonged speech stress, pathological fatigue of the muscles of the neck and limbs, difficulty speaking, swallowing and chewing movements. Sick people note that they feel well in the morning, but after the morning toilet they experience extreme fatigue. In cold weather, health improves, in warm weather it worsens. After rest, strength is restored as quickly as it was lost. Feature movement disorders with myasthenia gravis is the spread of muscle weakness from some exhausted physical activity muscles to others that were not involved in this movement. For example, an increase in ptosis (drooping of the eyelids) is possible with forced loads on the muscles of the limbs. The disease may remain unrecognized for years, but it progresses and sooner or later makes itself felt.

Myasthenic crisis (develops in 10-15% of patients) - extreme degree myasthenia gravis, characterized by rapid worsening of movement disorders leading to breathing and swallowing problems. If at this time you do not provide the patient with emergency assistance, there is a real threat to life.

Some medications may provoke exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. These include some antibiotics, β-blockers, botulinum toxin, calcium antagonists, curare-like muscle relaxants, magnesium salts, lidocaine, procainamide, quinine, quinidine, radiocontrast agents, D-penicillamine, diphenine, thyroid hormones, and glucocorticoids.

If myasthenia gravis is suspected, consultation with a neurologist and hospitalization in a specialized clinic that has the full range of diagnostic (including CT and MRI) and treatment capabilities, including surgery- removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy).

Used to treat thymomas surgical method. Often the operation can be performed thoracoscopically, but large sizes neoplasms (more than 8 cm) use sternotomy. If the tumor grows into neighboring tissues and organs, treatment should be continued with radiation therapy.

The thymus (thymus gland) is the organ responsible for the production of immune system cells. It is in it that they mature, are divided into helpers and suppressors, and undergo a kind of training in recognizing foreign agents. Let's find out more about this body.

Iron has its largest size in childhood. At the birth of a baby, it weighs about 12 grams and grows rapidly until puberty (puberty), reaching 40 grams. Then the involution of the thymus begins (gradual loss of function and reduction in size), by the age of 25 it weighs about 22-25 g, and in old age it barely reaches 7-6 g. This explains the tendency of old people to long-term lingering infections.

Thymus pathologies are quite rare and are divided into four types:

• Thymic hyperplasia
• DiGeorge syndrome ( congenital hypoplasia or complete absence organ)
• Myasthenia gravis
• Thymus tumors (thymoma, carcinoma)

Hyperplasia

Hyperplasia indicates that the thymus gland is increased in size, and naturally, the number of cells also increases. It can be true and false.

With true, the number of glandular and lymphoid cells increases uniformly, usually detected after severe infections. False is characterized by the growth of lymphoid tissue and occurs when autoimmune diseases and hormonal disorders.

The thymus gland can also be enlarged beyond normal in a child. This condition develops with strong allergic reactions and long-term inflammatory diseases. Very rarely requires treatment, most often returns to physiological size by six years.

DiGeorge syndrome was first identified in 1965. Most often, children are born to mothers over thirty years of age. Children have decreased functions parathyroid glands, full or partial absence thymus, fast development severe infectious diseases.

In most cases, babies die in the first hours of life. Babies begin to have massive convulsions, laryngospasm and die from asphyxia (suffocation). Surviving children have frequent purulent infections, abscesses, pneumonia, fungal infections.

Lesions are noted facial skeleton: underdevelopment lower jaw, large distance between the eyes, anti-Mongoloid eye shape, low-set ears. Available severe violations from the heart and blood vessels (valvular malformations, double arc aorta, right-hand position hearts).

Diagnosis is often not difficult due to the pronounced clinical signs. Nevertheless, the necessary research is being carried out:

• Complete blood count - a reduced level of leukocytes is determined.
• Biochemical blood test – decrease in blood calcium less than 8 mg/dl
• Electrocardiography – disturbance of heart rhythm, atrioventricular conduction.
• Computer or magnetic resonance diagnostics - absence of the gland.

Treatment is carried out by transplantation of thymus tissue, but so far this technique not sufficiently worked out. Young patients die from complications that develop before the age of six.

Myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis is often associated with damage to the thymus. Autoimmune damage to the gland leads to the appearance in the person’s blood of his own antibodies to acetylcholine receptors of nerve connections. This prevents the impulse from going from nerve to muscle and leads to muscle weakness. Patients have difficulty climbing stairs, get tired quickly, note rapid heartbeat. My health is gradually deteriorating. Most often, the disease manifests itself in thymoma of the thymus gland.

Thymus tumor

Thymoma is a tumor arising from thymocytes (cells of the gland itself). It is very rare and occurs in old age - after 50 years. The reasons for the development are not fully known; it is assumed that the stimulus is stress, alcohol, and unfavorable environmental conditions.

Symptoms of a thymus tumor are rare and nonspecific. You may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, frequent colds, swelling, vestibular disorders(dizziness, unsteadiness of gait). Anemia is observed in the blood.

Thymomas are classified:

• type A
• type AB
• type B1
• type B2
• type B3

A – tumors with a capsule. The prognosis is favorable, they are removed well and do not metastasize.

AB is a mixed cell tumor, the prognosis is favorable.

B1 – characterized by myasthenia gravis, treatable.

B2 and B3 are always accompanied by myasthenia gravis, the prognosis is unfavorable, metastasis is possible.

Stages of tumor development:

1. tumor limited to capsule
2. education grows into a capsule
3. damage to nearby structures (lungs, mediastinum)
4. metastasis to the heart, lungs, lymph nodes

There may be no signs of a tumor. With an enlarged thymus, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, tachycardia, weakness, and the development of autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis) are noted.

Diagnosis is based on x-ray examination mediastinum, CT and MRI studies. Unfortunately, most often the tumor is diagnosed on late stage, since at the beginning of the disease there are no signs.

Treatment depends on the stage - at the first and second stages it is carried out surgical removal thymus followed by irradiation. At the third and fourth stages, treatment is complex and includes surgery on the thymus gland (resection), radiation and chemotherapy.

The prognosis is individual in each case.