A resected case of thymus tumor with myotonic dystrophy

Abstract

A rare case of thymus hyperplasia with myotonic dystrophy was reported. A 22–year–old man with myotonic dystrophy underwent close examination by his physician, and an anterior mediastinal mass was incidentally discovered by computed tomography. He had the surgery, and histopathological examination proved the tumor was thymus hyperplasia. After surgery, he suffered from postoperative pain and could not properly expectorate sputum due to muscular depression. However, the respiratory status was maintained without the assistance of a respirator.
Afterward he gradually recovered, and was able to leave the hospital at postoperative day 12. No critical complication developed in this case, but various case reports indicated difficulty with respiratory management in the perioperative period. We consider that a sufficient explanation for the patient and preparedness against various complications were important in the operation of patients with myotonic dystrophy.