Small Thymomas and Myasthenia Gravis: a Poorly Understood Association

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is associated with about 20 % of all patients with thymomas, but the occurrence in patients with small thymomas is rare. The pathogenetic relevante of these small thymomas for MG is poorly understood until now. We report an the clinical course of a 39-year-old female patient suffering from MG and undergoing thymectomy for a small thymoma and discuss the pathogenetic importance of small thymomas for MG.

Key words:

Myasthenia gravis - Small thymoma - Thymectomy - Pathogenesis

References

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Received for Publication: January 18, 1999