A case of Good's syndrome: a rare acquired immunodeficiency associated with thymoma

Abstract

The patient was a 76-year-old man who had a prior history of recurrent pneumonia and severe, chronic sinusitis. Computed tomography showed a thymoma, and laboratory results revealed hypogammaglobulinemia. Therefore, Good's Syndrome (GS, rare adult-onset immunodeficiency with thymoma) was diagnosed. To treat his sinusitis, we started the patient on long-term clarithromycin therapy, preoperatively. A thymothymectomy was performed, but the immunological disorder was not resolved. Although standard gamma globulin replacement was not given, his sinusitis symptoms were ameliorated, and he has not had pneumonia since the operation. Long-term macrolide therapy probably plays some role in managing sino-pulmonary infections associated with GS.