THYMECTOMY IN PATIENTS MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF AGE WITH MYASTHENIA-GRAVIS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 146  (1) , 54-56
Abstract
Until recently, thymectomy has been reserved for patients with myasthenia gravis in the younger age groups. Use of transcervical thymectomy, with its reduction in morbidity and mortality, allowed the study of effects of thymectomy in the older age group. Records of 525 patients who underwent thymectomy were reviewed and divided into 2 groups: those less than and those more than 40 yr of age. Incidence of thymomas was greatest in the older than 40 year group. This age group without thymoma was also noted to have a high incidence of absent germinal centers. Postoperative remission rates and electromyographic improvement rates were comparable for both age groups. The evidence presented indicates that thymectomy improves the clinical course of myasthenia gravis in all age groups studied. Transcervical thymectomy is recommended for all patients with generalized myasthenia gravis, regardless of age.

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