Beschreibung
The thymus is a gland that over the last two centuries has generated great awareness not only from the anatomical perspective but also for the physiological and pat- logical roles it plays in many disease processes. Prior to the early studies on its th anatomy and physiology in the 18 century, the thymus was believed to perform - usual and curious functions such as purification of the nervous system, providing a protective cushion for the vasculature of the superior mediastinum, fetal nouri- ment, or more spiritual roles such as being the seat of the soul, among others. D- th ing the 19 century important anatomical/physiological studies took place focusing on the role of the thymus in pathological conditions. However, it was not until the th middle of the 19 century that a more comprehensive analysis of the role of the thymic gland and its role in pathogenesis began to emerge. Currently, while the knowledge gained on the diverse aspects of the thymic gland has furthered our understanding of its role in a gamut of processes, more knowledge is still being sought, and by no means is a full understanding of the gland's physi- ogy and pathology complete. Different aspects, including its purported endocrine function, its association with other autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus erythematosus, among others, are under evaluation and research.
Autorenporträt
InhaltsangabeThe thymus: a mysterious gland with a complex history.- Embriology and anatomy of the thymus gland.- Physiology and immunology of the thymus gland.- Congenital pathology.- Flogistic and hypertrophic pathology.- Benign and malign tumors.- Clinical features of thymus pathology.- Thymus and myasthenia gravis: Physiopathological and clinical aspects.- Radiologic diagnosis: X-ray, CT scan and NMR.- PET features.- Minimally invasive and surgical diagnosis.- Surgical anatomy of the thymus gland.- Anesthesiologic problems.- Conventional techniques: Cervicotomy. Median sternotomy. Transthoracic approach.- 'Open' videoassisted techniques: Cervicotomic approach. Subxiphoid approach with bilateral thoracoscopy. Cervicotomic and subxyphoid approach with bilateral thoracoscopy.- Totally endoscopic techniques: Right sided. Left sided. Bilateral approach with anterior chest wall lifting.- Robotic techniques.- Complex surgical interventions in superior cava vein syndrome.- Surgery of the thymus gland: re-interventions.- Chemotherapy in thymic neoplasms.- Radiotherapy in thymic neoplasms.- Complementary treatments in thymic neoplasms: Steroids. Octreotide.- Thymus-related myasthenia gravis multimodal treatment and follow up. Thymus transplantation.
