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. Erratum The following acknowledgement has been added to Figure 2: Reprinted with permission from Hanson JA, Sohaib SA, Newell-Price J et al. Computed tomography appearance of the thymus and anterior mediastinum in active Cushing's syndrome. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 1999; 84: 602-605. Copyright 1999, The Endocrine Society. Print and screen pdfs updated 23 November 2006

Author

Naama R Bogot and Leslie E Quint

Contact Details

Corresponding address:
Naama R Bogot, MD,
1500 E Medical Center Drive,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0326, USA

Reference

ICIS Cancer Imaging Volume 5 Issue 1
DOI: 10.1102/1470-7330.2005.0107

Date Posted

15 December 2005

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