[Reynolds syndrome revealing a malignant thymoma]

Abstract

Introduction: Thymomas, benign or malignant, may be associated with autoimmune diseases. They are classically associated with myasthenia gravis, neuromyotonia, or pure red cell aplasia.

Case report: We here report, to the best of our knowledge, the first description of an association between thymoma and Reynolds syndrome (systemic sclerosis associated with primary biliary cirrhosis) in an 80-year-old woman.

Conclusion: The suspected pathogenesis of this association could be a thymus escape of auto-reactive T lymphocytes and the consecutive development of an auto-immune disorder.