Pure Red Cell Aplasia Following Thymothymectomy: A Case Report
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Pure Red Cell Aplasia Following Thymothymectomy: A Case Report
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Anuradha CK RAO, Bhavna NAYAL, Chethan MANOHAR
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Pure Red Cell Aplasia Following Thymothymectomy: A Case Report
Year: 2013
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Thymoma is a rare epithelial neoplasm recognized as the most common anterior-superior mediastinal tumor. It can occur either sporadically or in conjunction with other autoimmune conditions, notably myasthenia gravis and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). While only 5% of thymoma cases lead to PRCA, a significant proportion (10-50%) of patients presenting with PRCA have been found to have spindle cell type thymoma. The prognosis for thymoma complicated by PRCA tends to be poor, necessitating careful monitoring of patients even after thymectomy—a surgical intervention often posed for those diagnosed with thymoma.
The Risk of Pure Red Cell Aplasia Post-Thymectomy
The case report of a 38-year-old female who developed PRCA two months post-thymectomy highlights the critical concern for clinicians treating thymoma patients. Initial evaluation revealed a mixed type AB thymoma, and subsequent examinations showed significant erythroid suppression indicated by low hemoglobin levels. This patient exemplifies how PRCA can emerge following surgical intervention, stressing the importance of vigilant postoperative care. In this instance, despite the thymectomy, residual thymic tissue might have played a role in the subsequent development of PRCA, similar to reports indicating poor outcomes among patients with thymomas associated with this hematologic disorder.
Conclusion
Overall, this case underscores the necessity of complete surgical removal of thymic tissue in patients with thymoma to mitigate the risk of complications like PRCA. Additionally, the combination of immunosuppressive therapies and careful follow-up strategies is vital for improving long-term outcomes in these patients. Given that PRCA can arise post-thymectomy, healthcare providers must maintain a high level of vigilance in monitoring patients who have undergone surgery for thymoma to ensure early identification and treatment of potential complications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is thymoma and its common associations?
Thymoma is a rare epithelial neoplasm, typically found in the anterior-superior mediastinum. It can occur sporadically or in association with conditions such as myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), and hypogammaglobulinemia.
What complications can arise from thymoma?
Thymoma can lead to various complications, including pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Patients with thymoma who develop PRCA often have a poor prognosis and may require vigilant monitoring and treatment post-thymectomy.
How was PRCA diagnosed in the reported case?
In the case, the patient presented with severe anemia and a peripheral blood smear indicated microcytic hypochromic anemia. Bone marrow examination revealed marked paucity of erythroid elements, leading to the diagnosis of pure red cell aplasia.
What treatments were administered to the patient with PRCA?
The patient was treated with blood transfusions and corticosteroids, leading to improvement in hemoglobin levels. Long-term prednisolone was started for managing PRCA, despite the risk of opportunistic infections associated with immunosuppressive treatment.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pure Red Cell Aplasia Following Thymothymectomy: A Case Report�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Pure Red Cell Aplasia Following Thymothymectomy: A Case Report�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Blood transfusion, Clinical feature, Complete removal, World Health Organization, Immunosuppressive therapy, Oral candidiasis, Urinary tract infection, Histopathological examination, Serum ferritin level, Opportunistic infection, Chest pain, Myasthenia Gravis, Tricuspid regurgitation, Bone marrow examination, Microcytic Hypochromic Anaemia, Haematological disorders, Thymectomy, Poor outcome, Long-term use of corticosteroids, Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Complete surgical resection.