What are the symptoms of diseases of the thymus gland? Thymus gland - an important organ of the immune system, symptoms and treatment Thymus in adults

Thymus gland - what is it? The thymus gland, also called the thymus gland or thymus, from the Greek "warty growth", called the great Claudius Galen literally "thyme" for its similarity of shares with the leaves of the thyme plant.

The thymus gland is regarded immunologically as the primary or central lymphoid organ. During adolescence, it is associated with the development immune system. After puberty, it decreases in size and is slowly replaced by fat.

Embryologically, the thymus gland was obtained from the third pharyngeal package.

Anatomy of the thymus

The thymus is a bilobed structure located at the top chest cavity. It partially extends into the neck area. The thymus is located above the pericardium in the heart, in front of the aorta, between the lung, below thyroid gland, and behind the breastbone. The thymus gland has a thin outer covering called a capsule and is made up of three types of cells. Types of thymine cells include epithelial cells, lymphocytes, and Kulchitsky cells, or neuroendocrine cells.

Epithelial cells are densely packed cells that give shape and structure to the thymus.
that protect against infection and stimulate the immune response.
Kulchitsky cells are hormonal cells.

Each blade thymus contains many smaller divisions called lobules. The lobule is made up of an inner region called the brain and an outer region called the cortex. The cortical area contains immature T-lymphocytes. The "T" in T-lymphocyte means derived from the thymus. These cells have not yet developed the ability to distinguish body cells from foreign cells. The medullary region contains larger mature T-lymphocytes. These cells have the ability to identify themselves and differentiate into specialized T lymphocytes. While T-lymphocytes mature in the thymus, they are derived from bone marrow stem cells. Immature T cells migrate from the bone marrow to the gland through the blood.

Functions and hormones of the thymus

The thymus gland, despite the presence glandular tissue and the function of producing several hormones, is much more closely related to the immune system than to the endocrine system.

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Thymus hormones include:

Thymosin, which stimulates the development of T cells.
Timpoetin and thymalin, which allow to distinguish T-lymphocytes and enhance the functions of T-cells.
An insulin-like growth factor that increases immune responses, in particular to viruses.

The thymus gland is responsible for the creation and development of T-lymphocytes or T-cells, an extremely important type of white blood cell. T cells protect the body from potentially deadly pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Damage to the thymus can cause an increase in infection.

The function of the thymus is to create immature T cells that are produced in the red bone marrow and train them to become functional, mature T cells that only attack foreign cells. T cells first reside within the thymic cortex, where they contact epithelial cells representing various antigens. Immature T cells that respond to antigens correspond to foreign cells selected for survival, maturation, and migration to the brain, while the rest die through apoptosis and are removed by macrophages. This process is known as positive selection.

Once they reach the medulla oblongata, the surviving T cells continue to mature and interact with the body's own antigens. T cells that interact with the body's own antigens rank autoimmunity positively, whereby they attack their body's cells, not just foreign ones. Autoimmune T cells are eliminated by apoptosis in a process known as negative selection, resulting in only about 2% of immature T cells reaching maturity.

Several hormones produced by the thymus gland promote the maturation of T cells before they are released into the bloodstream. Now mature T cells circulate throughout the body, where they recognize and kill pathogens, activate B cells to produce antibodies, and store the memory of past infections.

Unlike most organs that grow into adulthood, the thymus enlarges throughout childhood but shrinks slowly from the onset of puberty and during adulthood. When the thymus shrinks, its tissues are replaced by adipose tissue. The reduction is associated with a decrease in the role of the gland in adulthood - the immune system produces most their T cells childhood and requires very few new T cells after puberty.

Diseases and treatment of the thymus

Thymic glands are relatively rare, but they can be potentially serious.

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congenital disorders

Several genetic defects cause thymus problems from birth.

A rare condition called severe combined immunodeficiency or SCID develops when a person carries a mutation in a gene that regulates the development of T cells. Affecting approximately 1 out of every 40,000 to 100,000 people, immunodeficiency disrupts the normal development of T cells in the thymus and other immune cells. This severely compromises a person's immune system, rendering them unable to fight off infections.

In a different rare disease, called DiGeorg syndrome, is missing a piece of chromosome along with the genes it contains. This leads to poor development of the thymus and other organs in the immune system, causing weak immune responses and frequent illnesses. The severity of the disorder varies and may cause mild symptoms and severe form.

Autoimmune problems

In disorders called autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body's own cells or substances produced by the cells, misinterpreting them as foreign and harmful.

One of these disorders, myasthenia gravis, is associated with the thymus gland, which does not shrink but remains large after birth and functions abnormally. Although the disorder is not fully understood, the thymus appears to be abnormally overactive. It produces cells that attack a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which promotes normal muscle contraction in response to nerve impulses. The disease usually causes muscle weakness, which is often found in the eye muscles. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and other problems associated with poor muscle function.

thymus cancer

Although it is quite rare, 2 types of cancer can develop in the thymus called thymomas and thymic carcinomas. Both develop in populations of cells on the surface of the thymus, but they differ in other respects. Thymoma cells grow relatively slowly. Thymine carcinoma cells divide rapidly and can quickly spread to other parts of the body. People with myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune disorders are increased risk occurrence of thymoma.

Tumors in the gland can affect nearby structures, causing symptoms such as:

Confused breath
Cough (which can cause bloody sputum)
chest pain
Swallowing problems
Loss of appetite
Weight loss

Treatment for myasthenia gravis depends on the severity of the disease. The condition is often controlled with drugs that improve muscle function or suppress the production of abnormal antibodies produced immune cells. Treatment for thymus cancer varies depending on whether the cancer has spread and how far it has spread. Options include surgery, chemotherapy drugs, and radiation therapy.

Research is being done to determine whether regenerating the thymus or preventing it from getting worse can improve immunity in the elderly. Scientists are wondering if the organ could play a role in fighting cancer and HIV/AIDS, which directly attacks T cells. Numerous autoimmune diseases, such as the multiple sclerosis, lupus, and diabetes can also be managed more effectively through a better understanding of the function of the gland.

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Prevention of diseases of the thymus gland

There is a way to stimulate your thymus gland to increase the growth, maturation, and output of infection-fighting T cells in the human body. The method of stimulation is to create vibrations by gently pressing on it.

Boost your immune system with this simple exercise:

Take a couple of deep, relaxing breaths.
Using your fingertips or the side of your fist, press up and down about an inch along your sternum, between and above your breasts.
Do this for 15-20 seconds and continue with regular slow breaths.
Do 1-3 times per day or up to 4 times during an acute illness.

Follow this technique and you will greatly help your immune system in the fight against viruses!

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Hyperplastic processes in the thymus are characterized by an increase in the amount of its parenchyma, which is usually manifested by an increase in its size and weight. However, the latter, depending on age, can be expressed to varying degrees. In this regard, Schminke (1926) proposed to distinguish between hyperplasia of the thymus in children and adults, drawing attention to the fact that hyperplasia in children is always accompanied by an increase in the size and weight of the thymus, while in adults its increase is more often only relative and it is in the majority cases does not exceed the size and weight of the thymus gland in children. Similar changes in the thymus gland in adults are often also described under the name of persistence (preservation) or subinvolution (Hammar, 1926; Tesseraux, 1956).
As already mentioned, the thymus gland is very sensitive to various hormonal influences. At the same time, glucocorticoids and sex hormones are its antagonists, while thyroxine has a stimulating effect on it. In accordance with this, an increase in the production of thyroxine in Graves' disease, as well as a decrease or cessation in the production of glucocorticoids or sex hormones, which is observed in Addison's disease, atrophy of the adrenal cortex and during castration, naturally lead to hyperplasia of the thymus gland. Tesseraux (1956, 1959) noted thymus hyperplasia also in acromegaly. However, it is not yet clear which specific hormonal disorders it might be related.
Histologically, hyperplastic processes in the thymus gland do not always manifest themselves in the same way. In children and young people, the thymus gland with hyperplasia most often retains its usual structure. In slightly enlarged lobules, there is a distinct division into cortical and medulla layers. In the latter, typical Hassall bodies are found, the number of which is sometimes increased. However, the ratio between the cortical and medulla in hyperplasia can vary significantly, and in some cases the cortical is predominant, in others - the medulla. In accordance with this, Schridde (1911) proposed to distinguish between hyperplasia of the cortical and medulla of the thymus. However, it should be taken into account that the narrowing of the cortical layer and the presence of degenerative forms of Hassall's bodies, often noted when examining the thymus gland in the dead, may be the result of processes that occur in connection with the disease that caused death, and during agony.
A manifestation of thymus hyperplasia should also be considered the formation of lymphatic follicles in its lobules, often with typical reproduction centers (Fig. 11), as is often observed in lymphoid tissue. In children and young people, this is usually combined with general hyperplasia of the thymus in the form of an increase in the size of its lobules and the presence of a well-defined cortical layer in them, while in older people the formation of lymphatic follicles in the thymus is often the only manifestation of its hyperplasia. Mackay calls these changes in the thymus dysplastic.

Finally, the emergence of peculiar glandular formations, often found against the background of involutive changes in the thymus gland, should also be attributed to hyperplastic processes. They were first described by Sultan (1896). They were later observed by Lochte (1899) and Weise (1940), who dedicated special studies. They are usually not numerous and are found along the periphery of individual lobules in the form of single glandular cells (Fig. 12), completely filled with cells or containing small gaps. On the periphery of the cells there are more large cells, often forming a palisade-like basal layer. The cells have a prominent basement membrane, which is best seen when sections are processed with PAS or Ft silver impregnation.
Similar glandular cells were found by us in the thymus gland in 68 out of 145 examined dead. In men and women, they were observed with approximately the same frequency, which increased as the age of the deceased increased. At the same time, the youngest deceased, in whom such glandular cells were found, was a 21-year-old man who died from acute leukemia. These data completely coincide with the data of other researchers (Sultan, 1896; Lochte, 1899; Weise, 1940; Tesseraux, 1959). V Lately similar glandular cells were also found in children with thymus alymphoplasia (Blackburn, Gordon, 1967).
Rice. 11. Lymphatic follicles with centers of reproduction in the lobules of the thymus gland with progressive myasthenia gravis. a-uv, 40X; 6-120X.
Rice. 12. Glandular cells in thymus lobules.
a-of the deceased from alcoholic delirium complicated by pneumonia. Hematoxylin-eosin staining. SW. 200X; used by the deceased from rheumatic disease hearts. Processing using the CHIC reaction. SW. 1&OXI at the same time. Feet silver impregnation. SW. 240X.
Weise (1940), who specifically studied these glandular formations in the human thymus, called them primitive bodies, believing that Hassall's bodies are formed from them. However, this assumption is opposed by their different localization, as well as the fact that these glandular cells are found in the thymus gland not in early childhood, when there is an intensive formation of Hassall's bodies, but in a later period, when further formation of Hassall's bodies stops or already completely over. In addition, these glandular cells differ from Hassall's bodies in the presence of basement membranes and the absence of accumulation of glycolipids in their cells and lumens, which is so characteristic of Hassall's bodies.
At the same time, the undoubted epithelial nature of these cells and their great similarity with the tubular formations of the epithelial rudiment of the thymus gland in the early phases of its development (see Fig. 6) allow us, it seems to us, to consider them as the result of the proliferation of epithelial elements of the thymus gland, which has reactive nature. In the light of the idea currently being developed about the participation of epithelial elements of the thymus in the production of humoral factors (E. 3. Yusfina, 1958; E. 3. Yusfina and I. N. Kamenskaya, 1959; Metcalf, 1966), these formations are of undoubted interest. The appearance of similar glandular cells in the thymus of rats after the introduction of Freund's adjuvant, noted by G. Ya. Svet-Moldavsky and LI Raf-kina (1963), allows us to think about their relationship to immunological reactions. This assumption finds some confirmation in the results of our studies. Analysis possible dependence formation of glandular cells in the thymus gland in the examined dead from the presence of infectious inflammatory processes showed that glandular cells were observed in 45 out of 65 dead with infectious inflammatory processes, whereas out of 80 dead without infectious inflammatory processes, they were found only in 23. The noted differences in the frequency of detection of glandular cells in the thymus in these two groups of the dead are statistically significant ( y====6.82;p< 0,01).
Hyperplasia of the thymus may be accompanied by various clinical manifestations and be a consequence of others pathological processes. At the same time, the nature of its changes in various cases may have some features that should be specially analyzed.
Tumor hyperplasia
In some cases, the only manifestation of thymus hyperplasia is an increase in its size. It is often discovered by accident X-ray examination bodies chest undertaken for a completely different reason. In other cases, the thymus gland, due to a significant increase in size, begins to compress neighboring organs and nerves, causing a feeling of pressure behind the sternum, coughing, shortness of breath, and sometimes swelling of the face and neck, which makes the patient see a doctor. The cause of these disorders is established after an X-ray examination, which reveals an increase in the thymus gland.
The great similarity of clinical and radiological manifestations of such hyperplasia with tumors of the thymus and the difficulty of their differential diagnosis allow us to call it tumor-like hyperplasia. It should be emphasized that with tumor-like hyperplasia, to whatever extent it is expressed, unlike tumors, the shape of the thymus gland is always preserved. This can sometimes be detected already during an X-ray examination and is clearly visible during an operation (O. A. Lentsner, 1968) or during an autopsy of the dead.
Histologically, the thymus gland with tumor-like hyperplasia, regardless of the age of the patient, retains its structure. In its lobules, a clearly expressed cortical layer rich in lymphocytes and containing Hassall's bodies of the medulla is found.
After successful removal in patients with hyperplastic thymus, clinically significant disorders are not observed, and, as shown by long-term results traced by O. A. Lentsner (1968), in individual cases up to 10 years and more they remain practically healthy people.

Thymic-lymphatic state (Status thymico-lymphaticus)

Attention has long been drawn to the fact that in some cases of sudden death of people, the only change found in their pathoanatomical examination is an increase in the thymus gland, often combined with hyperplasia of the entire lymphatic apparatus. For a long time Death in such cases was tried to be explained by mechanical compression of the enlarged thymus gland of the trachea or passing near the nerve trunks. However, in 1889, Paltauff put forward the idea that these changes are a manifestation of a special constitutional condition, which he called Status thymico-lymphaticus, and that death in this case occurs as a result of toxic effects from a malfunctioning enlarged thymus gland. Subsequently, these ideas were again subjected to revision, and the very existence of the thymico-lmphatic state began to be questioned.
The reason for this, apparently, was the data on the better preservation of the thymus in those who died of violent death compared to those who died from diseases, which were erroneously interpreted as its hyperplasia and created a false impression of a high frequency of thymus hyperplasia in healthy people. The references to German authors cited here should be considered unfounded, since Aschoff, Beitzke and Schmorl, who spoke at a conference held in Berlin in 1916 on military pathology, emphasized the rarity of hyperplastic changes in the thymus in those who died in the war, and Beneke, who discovered its hyperplasia in a number of deceased wounded, associated this with atrophy of the adrenal glands.
The expressed doubts regarding the existence of the thymic-lymphatic state, according to Sugg (1945), are based not so much on observations as on prejudice. With an impartial attitude, it is impossible to deny the occurrence of sudden death in young people in whom, if not the only, then the most outwardly pronounced of those found at autopsy morphological changes is an enlargement of the thymus gland and lymph nodes. This has to be dealt with from time to time. So, for example, we had to participate in the analysis of the cause of death of a 19-year-old man, which followed suddenly a few hours after a tonsillectomy operation, in the absence of bleeding and any other complications. At its opening (prosector M. F. Gusenkov), except for signs of acute venous plethora and a significant increase in the thymus gland, no other changes were found. Sugg (1945), who analyzed the results of a survey of 500 suddenly dead children, in 49 of them could not find any other changes explaining the onset of death, except for an increase in the thymus gland.
At the same time, it is hardly possible now to associate the onset of sudden death with hyperplasia of the thymus gland with the hypothetical toxic effects emanating from it. The causes of death in this case should, apparently, be sought in adrenal insufficiency, in which, with hyperplasia of the thymus, as shown by the studies of Wiesel (1912), Beneke (1916) and as noted in the above own observation, pronounced atrophic changes are often found.
Obviously, the thymus hyperplasia itself, observed in sudden death, is one of the manifestations of adrenal insufficiency (Selye, 1937). From these positions, it becomes more understandable that the onset of sudden death of young people after seemingly mild surgical interventions, such as tonsillectomy, appendectomy, or simply when bathing, mental trauma, etc., which is also confirmed in modern ideas about the general adaptation syndrome (Selye , 1930). In this regard, it is interesting to note that with thymus hyperplasia in castrates sudden death not observed (Hammar, 1926).
Histological changes in the thymus gland in thymico-lymphatic state do not have characteristic features. In its lobules, a well-defined cortical layer and a medulla containing Hassall's bodies are noted.

The defeat of the thymus in patients over 20 years of age is caused by the pathological growth of its tissue (hyperplasia). Normally, in adults, there is a gradual decrease in the organ. If this does not happen, then the thymus changes its structure. Its lobules increase, centers consisting of germ-type cells are found, in the future their growth is possible with the formation of a tumor - thymoma.

About what diseases occur in adults, their symptoms, read further in our article.

Read in this article

The main diseases of the thymus in adults

Thymus hyperplasia accompanies autoimmune diseases. They are characterized by the formation of antibodies against their cells. The most severe condition in violation of the function of the thymus gland is progressive muscle weakness - malignant autoimmune myasthenia gravis. This syndrome is also found in tumor processes.

Thymus cyst is rarely found, as it most often does not give symptoms. It is predominantly an incidental finding on chest X-ray or tomography. Since such a formation is often soft, even with a large size, there is no pressure on neighboring tissues.

Symptoms of the disease in women and men

All manifestations of thymus diseases in adult patients can be divided into three groups - compression (compression) of the mediastinal organs, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness) and tumor intoxication.

compression

The thymus gland is located behind the sternum between pleural cavities in which the lungs are located. In the immediate vicinity of it there are such structures:

trachea;
esophagus;
large vessels (aorta, vena cava, pulmonary artery);
pericardium;
nerve fibers.

If the size of the thymus increases due to the development of a tumor or tissue growth, then it compresses the organs.

It causes:

difficulty breathing, swallowing;
swelling of the face and upper chest, hands;
bluish skin tone;
cough, asthma attacks;
congestion of the veins of the neck;
hoarseness of voice;
chest pain.

Tumor of the thymus

It is characteristic that in the supine position the symptoms increase, and half-sitting - decreases. With a severe degree of compression, wheezing occurs, bleeding from the veins of the esophagus, lungs, and nose. Stagnation venous blood in the cranial cavity leads to headache, drowsiness.

myasthenia gravis

Most often, drooping eyelids and double vision appear first. They may be smaller in the morning, but increase by the end of the day. Then the patient's limb muscles weaken - it is difficult to get up from a chair, walk up the stairs, raise your hands. A typical feature of myasthenia gravis is that fatigue appears in all muscle groups. For example, if the patient is asked to sit down 10 times, then the upper eyelid falls.

myasthenia gravis

When talking and chewing solid food, patients quickly get tired, their voice becomes similar to the diction of a person with a pinched nose. When the muscles of the pharynx are affected, the liquid does not pass into the esophagus, but enters the nose, Airways, which is accompanied by choking. Therefore, patients often try to eat after the administration of Prozerin, taking Kalimin tablets.

Tumor intoxication

Occurs only in malignant. The decay products of the tumor penetrate into the bloodstream, which is accompanied by:

nausea;
decreased appetite, aversion to meat;
urge to vomit;
an increase in body temperature;
increasing weakness;
decreased ability to engage in normal physical activity.

The skin becomes pale with a yellowish, bluish or earthy tint. At night it is celebrated excessive sweating. Pain in bones and joints. changing emotional background: there are depressions, difficulty falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, mood swings. Often they are accompanied by constant or paroxysmal headaches and dizziness.

Symptoms of thymus diseases in children

You can suspect a violation of the thymus in a child by the following signs:

Most often, these symptoms persist until school age, then the thymus at proper nutrition and lifestyle returns to normal.

The thymus gland in adults may be enlarged due to overgrowth of tissue or a tumor. There is compression of adjacent mediastinal organs, progressive muscle weakness. At cancerous tumor intoxication joins them. In children, there is an organ dysfunction that affects development, immunity, the endocrine system, the work of the heart, and the respiratory system. Children are prone to infections and allergic reactions.

Useful video

Watch the video about what the thymus gland is for:

What is thymus?

Represents the main body involved in formation of the human immune system. The process of its formation begins at the seventh week of embryo development.

The organ got its name from its resemblance to a fork. V medical practice it is designated by the term "thymus". The gland is located in the upper chest, and both its parts are symmetrical to each other.

Thymus features:

gland produces hormones necessary for the formation of the immune system;
the thymus increases its size until the age of 18, after which the process of gradual reduction of the gland begins;
thanks to this organ, cells responsible for the production of lymphocytes are formed;
thymus cells not only recognize foreign organisms, but also participate in their destruction (viruses, bacteria and other harmful components).

Watch a video about the functions of the thymus:

Diseases and symptoms

Deviations in the performance of the thymus can be congenital or acquired. In medical practice, there are cases complete absence of the thymus in a newborn baby.

Any pathology, regardless of the nature of their occurrence, causes a violation of the protective functions of the body. The more serious the pathology, the lower the immunity will be.

The main diseases of the thymus and their symptoms:

thymomegaly(the disease is transmitted at the genetic level, accompanied by the development of the disease, deviations heart rate, excess body weight, marble pattern on the skin, venous mesh on the chest, sharp drops body temperature and excessive sweating);
myasthenia gravis(an autoimmune disease belonging to the group of neuromuscular abnormalities, the main symptom is increased muscle fatigue and disruption of the immune system);
thymus cyst(in medical practice, cysts of the thymus are rare, the disease is accompanied by pain in the chest and the appearance of a dry cough);
thymus cancer(disease is one of the rare pathologies, the symptoms of pathology may be absent for a long time, a blue tint of the skin gradually appears, respiratory failure, pain syndrome in the chest area, headaches and heart rhythm disturbances);
thymomas(the disease is accompanied by the appearance of malignant or benign tumors thymus. The development of formations on early stages occurs asymptomatically, with complications, shortness of breath, swelling of the cervical veins, unpleasant or pain in the throat, blue tone of the skin of the face);
hyperplasia of the thymus (congenital pathology, develops asymptomatically, can only be diagnosed with the help of ultrasound. The disease is a decrease in the size of the thymus gland and is accompanied by malfunctions of the immune system).

Diagnostics

Most of the abnormalities associated with the functioning of the thymus can develop over a long period of time without pronounced symptoms.

Pathologies are diagnosed by accident during x-ray.

Reason for additional examination thymus become any formations on the gland or changes in its size.

Methods for diagnosing diseases of the thymus include the following procedures:

CT scan;
radiological semiotics;
complex x-ray examination (fluoroscopy, x-ray);
contrast study of the esophagus;
differential diagnosis;
biopsy of the supraclavicular areas.

Treatment with medicines and folk remedies

Therapy for thymus diseases depends on the type and stage of the identified abnormalities. In the presence of tumors or other types of formations, the only way to treat them is surgery.

Lack of timely medical measures can lead to serious complications and lethal outcome patient.

With diseases of the thymus, it is possible:

dynamic observation of patients in a medical institution(some pathologies of the thymus do not require surgical intervention or taking medication, but patients need to be regularly examined by a specialist to monitor the progression of the disease);
surgical intervention(in case of serious complications of thymus diseases, the thymus gland is removed);
diet therapy(patients with disorders of the thymus must follow a diet, the diet should contain foods rich in calcium and iodine, meals are taken at least five times a day, nutrition should be balanced and fractional);
taking corticosteroids and cholinesterase inhibitors(drug therapy is prescribed by a specialist depending on the individual clinical picture the patient's health status, the most common drugs are Prozerin or Galantamine);
use of methods traditional medicine (in the treatment of thymus diseases, alternative medicine recipes are used to strengthen immunity, independent view therapies such techniques are not. It is recommended to take decoctions of St. John's wort, calendula, propolis tincture, as well as other products based on natural ingredients).

Prevention

Most thymus diseases develop gradually without pronounced symptoms. For the timely detection of abnormalities in the work of the thymus gland, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations in a medical institution.

If pathologies are detected in the early stages, then complications and the need for surgical intervention can be avoided.

TO preventive measures thymus diseases include the following recommendations:

prevention of stressful situations(with an overly sensitive psyche, it is recommended to take herbal sedatives);
regular physical activity(a sedentary lifestyle negatively affects the state of the body as a whole);
compliance with the rules healthy eating (the diet should be complete and balanced);
timely treatment of deviations endocrine system (such violations can significantly worsen the state of immunity and cause the development of serious pathologies);
regular examination by an endocrinologist(it is enough to be checked by this specialist once a year, but if there are diseases of the endocrine system, this should be done more often).

Thymus diseases are among the dangerous pathologies. Their main consequence is a decrease in the protective functions of the body..

If the thymus gland does not work properly, then this condition can lead to malfunctions of the whole organism and an increase in susceptibility to viral infections.

05/11/2011 The thymus gland or thymus is an important organ of the immune system, which in childhood is responsible for the formation of primary immunity. It is located just behind the sternum in the anterior mediastinum (the mediastinum is the space in the chest cavity bounded by the lungs on both sides) and partially extends to the neck. In adults, at the age of 20-25, the functioning of the thymus stops, and it gradually turns into fatty tissue.

Tumors, cysts, metastases of cancer of other organs, and lymphomas can appear in the thymus. Thymomas are the most common tumors of the thymus. They may or may not grow into surrounding tissues. By histological structure thymomas are classified as tumors with indeterminate behavior.

Often patients do not present any complaints, and thymomas turn out to be an incidental finding on CT examination of the chest. Some patients develop a range of symptoms (see).

However, a special property of diseases of the thymus, distinguishing them from other neoplasms, are the so-called "parathymic syndromes". These include hypogammaglobulinemia, red bone marrow hypoplasia, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, aplastic anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases. However, the most common of these is a neurological disease - autoimmune myasthenia gravis, which occurs in more than 40% of patients with thymomas.

Myasthenia gravis is a disease that is characterized by an autoimmune lesion of the neuromuscular junction, leading to difficulty or complete blockade of signal transmission from the nerve to the muscle fiber. It is manifested by weakness and pathological fatigue of various groups of skeletal muscles. The thymus gland in a patient with myasthenia produces autoantibodies that block acetylcholine receptors and, thereby, transmit a signal about movement from the nerve to the muscle.

Most often, the disease begins with double vision in the evening, the inability to raise the eyelids and voice changes (twang) in the evenings or after a long speech load, pathological fatigue of the muscles of the neck and limbs, difficulty in speech, swallowing and chewing movements. Sick people note that they feel good in the morning, but after the morning toilet they experience severe fatigue. In cold weather, health improves, in warm weather it worsens. Forces after rest are restored as quickly as they disappear. A feature of movement disorders in myasthenia gravis is the spread of muscle weakness from one exhausted physical activity muscles to others that did not participate in this movement. For example, an increase in ptosis (drooping of the eyelids) is possible with forced loads on the muscles of the limbs. The disease may remain unrecognized for years, but it progresses, and sooner or later makes itself felt.

Myasthenic crisis (develops in 10-15% of patients) is an extreme degree of myasthenia gravis, characterized by a rapid aggravation of motor disorders leading to impaired breathing and swallowing. If at this time you do not give the patient emergency assistance, arises real threat for life.

Some medications may exacerbate myasthenia gravis. These include some antibiotics, β-blockers, botulinum toxin, calcium antagonists, curare-like muscle relaxants, magnesium salts, lidocaine, procainamide, quinine, quinidine, radiopaque agents, D-penicillamine, diphenin, thyroid hormones, and glucocorticoids.

If myasthenia gravis is suspected, it is necessary to consult a neurologist and hospitalize in a specialized clinic that has the full range of diagnostic (including CT and MRI) and therapeutic options, including surgery- removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy).

Used to treat thymoma surgical method. Surgery can often be performed thoracoscopically, but large sizes neoplasms (more than 8 cm) use sternotomy. When the tumor grows into neighboring tissues and organs, treatment should be continued with radiation therapy.