Thymic Hyperplasia in Thyroid Cancer Patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Although there is a well-recognized association between thymic hyperplasia and benign thyroid disorders, the prevalence of thymic hyperplasia in patients with malignant thyroid diseases has not been previously reported. We performed this study to determine the prevalence and morphologic features of thymic hyperplasia on CT scans of thyroid cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thymic hyperplasia is commonly observed on CT scans of thyroid cancer patients and almost always demonstrates a characteristic pyramidal configuration. This characteristic appearance should not be mistaken for metastatic disease.