Purpose or Case Report: The Thymus appears in a variety of sizes and shapes, and may even change in size as a response to disease process in the same patient. These underlying variations, as well as ectopic or accessory tissue, can mimic pathology and may become a source of confusion resulting in anxiety, unwarranted imaging, unnecessary biopsy, chemoradiation or even surgery.
Methods & Materials: 1. Educate about the different locations and imaging characteristics of accessory/ectopic thymus.
2. Provide imaging examples of cases that can mimic pathology including Ectopic thymus in the neck, Thyroid, Thoracic inlet, and posterior mediastinum.
3. Provide imaging examples of unusual presentation including right upper thoracic Thymic hyperplasia mimicking pneumonia.
4. Provide imaging examples of cystic Thymic pathology including simple cysts, abscess, hematoma, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
5. Discuss the utility and limitations of different imaging modalities.
Results: After reviewing the exhibit, the reader will be aware of the wide variety of normal thymic tissue and some unusual pathologies that can be challenging. We hope the reader will be able to recommend appropriate imaging modalities for confirming the diagnosis, and hopefully avoid unnecessary procedures in normal variant cases.
Conclusions: Cases of thymic pathology, normal variations, and ectopic thymic tissue could be challenging to diagnose in some patients. Familiarizing with normal variations and locations of Thymic tissue as well as different pathologies can help increase confidence and direct appropriate medical care.