Aplastic Anemia as an Immune-mediated Complication of Thymoma: A Case Report

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2018 Oct;40(7):e464-e466. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001140.

Abstract

Thymomas are the most common masses located in the anterior mediastinum, and they are often associated with autoimmune disorders including myasthenia gravis, polymyositis, and aplastic anemia (AA). Autoreactive T-cell clones generated by the thymoma may lead to autoimmune disorders. We report the case of a 14-year-old boy who was examined for AA, and the underlying cause was determined to be an immune-mediated complication of thymoma. He had no matched sibling donors. He underwent thymectomy, and 3 months later he was treated with immunosuppressive therapy (IST), consisting of antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine A. The duration of the IST was determined to be a period of 12 months. He has recently been in complete response condition for 6 months since IST stopped. IST is a successful treatment choice for thymomas associated with AA in childhood.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anemia, Aplastic / etiology
  • Anemia, Aplastic / immunology*
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / therapeutic use
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Thymoma / complications*
  • Thymoma / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclosporine