Ansari Ali Z, Koi Teja, Lief Sean, Patibandla Srihita, Bhatt Nilay, Gulraiz Azouba, Bilal Muhammad, Ali Rashad
Department of Pathology, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, USA.
Department of Internal Medicine, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, USA.
Cureus. 2024 Aug 28;16(8):e68027. doi: 10.7759/cureus.68027. eCollection 2024 Aug.
Thymomas are rare tumors originating from thymic tissue, often associated with various paraneoplastic syndromes that can pose significant clinical management challenges. Myasthenia gravis, one of the most common paraneoplastic syndromes linked to thymomas, is characterized by autoantibodies targeting the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness exacerbated by repetitive use. Good's syndrome, an adult-onset immunodeficiency associated with thymomas, results in hypogammaglobulinemia and susceptibility to opportunistic infections, which can be life-threatening. We present the case of a 57-year-old Caucasian female with no prior medical history, who presented with a three-month history of progressive chest pain, dyspnea, and muscle weakness. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed an anterior mediastinal soft tissue mass. Upon admission, a diagnostic workup, including serum anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and electromyography, confirmed the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. Immune studies revealed hypogammaglobulinemia, consistent with Good's syndrome. The patient underwent complete surgical resection of the thymoma and received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. This case report highlights the rarity and clinical significance of concurrent myasthenia gravis and Good's syndrome as paraneoplastic manifestations secondary to thymoma. Given the incidence of thymoma-associated paraneoplastic syndromes, early recognition and intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes. Future research may further elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations, guiding improved management strategies.
胸腺瘤是起源于胸腺组织的罕见肿瘤,常与各种副肿瘤综合征相关,这些综合征会给临床管理带来重大挑战。重症肌无力是与胸腺瘤相关的最常见副肿瘤综合征之一,其特征是针对神经肌肉接头的自身抗体,导致重复使用后肌肉无力加剧。古德综合征是一种与胸腺瘤相关的成人发病免疫缺陷,会导致低丙种球蛋白血症和易患机会性感染,这可能危及生命。我们报告了一例57岁的白种女性病例,她既往无病史,出现进行性胸痛、呼吸困难和肌肉无力3个月。胸部计算机断层扫描(CT)显示前纵隔软组织肿块。入院后,包括血清抗乙酰胆碱受体抗体和肌电图在内的诊断检查确诊为重症肌无力。免疫研究显示低丙种球蛋白血症,与古德综合征一致。患者接受了胸腺瘤的完整手术切除,并接受了静脉注射免疫球蛋白(IVIG)治疗。本病例报告强调了重症肌无力和古德综合征并发作为胸腺瘤继发副肿瘤表现的罕见性和临床意义。鉴于胸腺瘤相关副肿瘤综合征的发病率,早期识别和干预对于获得最佳结果至关重要。未来的研究可能会进一步阐明这些关联的潜在机制,指导改进管理策略。