Abstract
Background Thymic hyperplasia is a recognized complication of Graves' disease that can present
radiologically as an anterior mediastinal mass.
Case Description We present a unique case of massive thymic hyperplasia occurring in a 24-year-old
female without a known history of thyroid or other systemic disease in whom Graves'
disease first manifested intraoperatively during thymectomy for presumed neoplasia.
Conclusion We suggest that the work-up of all anterior mediastinal masses should include a comprehensive
search for medical causes of reversible thymic enlargement.
Keywords
thymus - thoracic surgery - pathology
