• Thymus :
  • Primary lymphoid organ
  • located in the
  • superior and anterior mediastinum
  • important for the  maturation of T lymphocytes (T cells).
• Composed of two lobes and is
  • most active during infancy and childhood.
• Evolution of Thymus Atrophy with Age:
• Infancy to Puberty:
  • • active and crucial for immune system development.
    • production and maturation of T cells.
• Adolescence to Young Adulthood:
  • gradually decreases in size and activity.
  • reduction in T cell production.
• Adulthood to Elderly:
  • undergoes involution,
  • decreased output of new T cells.
• Thymic Rebound
  • stress
    • bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
    • Can also occur in certain pathological conditions or during heightened immune activity.
      • bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
• First image is 9 months prior showing no thymic tissue and second during chemotherapy – 9 months later showing thymic hyperplasia

Thymic Rebound Following Chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer

 

Thymoma