The role of thymectomy in red cell aplasia

Ann Thorac Surg. 1979 Sep;28(3):257-60. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(10)63116-5.

Abstract

Red cell aplasia is an unusual cause of anemia. Fifty percent of all patients with red cell aplasia will have a thymoma. Twenty-five to 30% of those who undergo thymectomy will be cured. Data are presented that suggest that any patient with red cell aplasia should have thymectomy through a median sternotomy. One of 3 such patients who underwent the operation has had complete remission for two years.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anemia, Aplastic / blood
  • Anemia, Aplastic / etiology
  • Anemia, Aplastic / therapy*
  • Blood Cell Count
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Thymectomy*
  • Thymoma / complications
  • Thymoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Thymoma / surgery*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / complications
  • Thymus Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Thymus Neoplasms / surgery*