Lavini / Moran / Morandi Thymus Gland Pathology

Clinical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Features
1. Auflage 2009
ISBN: 978-88-470-0828-1
Verlag: Springer Milan
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: 1 - PDF Watermark

E-Book, Englisch, 274 Seiten

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.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Lavini, Corrado

Moran, Cesar A.

Morandi, Uliano

Schoenhuber, Rudolf

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1;Preface;6
2;Contents;8
3;Contributors;11
4;The Thymus from Antiquity to the Present Day: the History of a Mysterious Gland;16
5;Embryology and Anatomy of the Thymus Gland;28
6;Physiology and Immunology of the Thymus Gland;34
7;Congenital Pathology of the Thymus;46
8;Hyperplastic and Inflammatory Pathology of the Thymus;53
9;Benign and Malignant Tumors;68
10;Clinical Features of Thymus Pathology;81
11;Thymus and Myasthenia Gravis. Pathophysiological and Clinical Features;100
12;Radiologic Diagnosis: X- ray, CT and MRI;110
13;PET Features;121
14;Minimally Invasive and Surgical Diagnosis;131
15;Surgical Anatomy of the Thymus Gland;143
16;Anesthesiological Problems in Thymus Gland Surgery;147
17;Conventional Techniques: Cervicotomy;158
18;Conventional Techniques: Median Sternotomy;165
19;Conventional Techniques: Transthoracic Approach;169
20;Open Videoassisted Techniques: Transcervical Approach;175
21;Open Videoassisted Techniques: Subxiphoid Approach with Bilateral Thoracoscopy;180
22;Open Videoassisted Techniques: Transcervical- Subxiphoid- Videothoraco-scopic Maximal Thymectomy;187
23;Open Videoassisted Techniques: Thoracoscopic Extended Thymectomy with Bilateral Approach and Anterior Chest Wall Lifting;193
24;Totally Endoscopic Techniques: Left- Sided Thoracoscopic Thymectomy;198
25;Totally Endoscopic Techniques: Right- Sided Thoracoscopic Thymectomy;205
26;Robotic Techniques;211
27;Complex Surgical Interventions in Superior Vena Cava Syndrome;216
28;Reinterventions for Thymoma Recurrences;220
29;Chemotherapy in Thymic Neoplasms;228
30;Radiotherapy in Thymic Neoplasms;232
31;Complementary Treatments in Thymic Neoplasms: Steroids and Octreotide;243
32;Thymus-related Myasthenia Gravis. Multimodal Therapy and Follow- up;249
33;Thymus Transplantation;257
34;Subject Index;270