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The ultrasound examination of the thymus gland consists in performing an ultrasound examination of the mediastinum. The thymus gland is a gland located at the top of the chest, just behind the breastbone. Abnormalities in this organ may indicate autoimmune diseases, myasthenia gravis or neoplastic changes. Is an ultrasound of the thymus gland sufficient to make a diagnosis?
Thymus ultrasound – diagnostic significance of the examination
The thymus gland is a gland located in the chest. It belongs to the lymphatic system and is responsible for shaping the body’s resistance to hormones such as THF, thymosin or thymulin. The exact location of the thymus is the upper mediastinum, therefore an ultrasound examination that enables a general analysis of the condition of this organ – if it is visible – is an ultrasound of the mediastinum.
Thoracic and mediastinal ultrasound not only allows the assessment of the thymus, but also the lungs, trachea and esophagus. Usually, this imaging test is used to diagnose diseases of the lungs and pleura. By the way, the doctor may notice structural abnormalities of the thymus gland, mainly its enlargement.
On the basis of ultrasound of the thymus gland, the doctor may suspect the presence of a persistent thymus, as well as nodules (thymomas) and neoplastic changes. Ultrasonography is not precise enough to allow for detailed analysis and diagnosis of the suspected disease. Thus, an ultrasound examination may be an indication for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the thymus gland. Focal lesions are also detected on the basis of positron emission tomography, which is a relatively new method of imaging.
Read more about imaging tests:
- Computed tomography – when to perform and how to prepare?
- Magnetic resonance imaging – when is it worth doing and how to prepare for it?
What does the thymus gland suffer from?
The thymus is an organ that is important for the development of immunity in humans. However, from the end of puberty, it decreases, and in adulthood it disappears and becomes filled with adipose tissue. One of the problems with this gland may be what is known as the persistent thymus. This means that it overgrows, and as a result, myasthenia gravis, i.e. chronic muscle fatigue, often develops.
Thymus hyperplasia It is also observed in the course of hyperthyroidism, systemic lupus and aplastic anemia. The thymus lesion can also be a tumor known as a thymoma – it is a tumor (malignant or benign). It is worth knowing that the symptoms of thymoma may include the already mentioned myasthenia gravis, but also other paraneoplastic syndromes. Ultrasound of the thymus is useful in determining the type of tumor. During an ultrasound examination, a biopsy is performed and the type of lesion is assessed on this basis. An alternative is to examine a tumor specimen obtained during surgery.
How to prepare for an ultrasound of the thymus gland?
Traditional ultrasound of the thymus it does not require special preparation as it is a non-invasive and painless test. Ultrasounds are harmless to humans, and the image obtained thanks to them makes it possible to detect changes with a minimum size of 0,1 mm. For a detailed analysis of the thymus, the doctor should refer us to an MRI or tomography. In the case of an ultrasound of the mediastinum, a possible enlargement of this gland can be seen.
Transcutaneous ultrasound consists in applying a special gel to the examined area of the skin, which increases the effectiveness of ultrasound transmission. Then the doctor puts the transducer to the chest, and the monitor displays the image that can be interpreted. After completing the examination, the doctor prepares a description, which is an integral part of the examination.
If we decide to go on a private visit, price of an ultrasound examination of the thymus gland, that is in practice the chest, it can amount to about 100–180 PLN.
Thymus biopsy under ultrasound guidance
Identification of the thymic tumor requires a special type of examination. If a biopsy is recommended, the doctor decides on the form of the procedure. It is often performed then fine-needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance. A biopsy requires a medical referral, and a few days before its performance, it is recommended to discontinue anticoagulant medications with possible modification of treatment until the procedure is performed.
A biopsy combined with an ultrasound of the thymus gland consists in locating the gland with an ultrasound probe. Then the doctor uses a thin needle and inserts in the appropriate place to collect material from the lesion formed within the thymus gland. The procedure is still under ultrasound supervision.