The Thymus -

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Résumé :
This book discusses in detail the use and value of the various imaging procedures in respect of all thymic diseases. Due consideration is given to the normal thymus, and pathologic anatomy, clinical symptoms, therapy, and prognosis, all receive extensive coverage that reflects the present state of our knowledge....

Sommaire:
1 Introduction - Historical Background.- 2 Anatomy and Embryology of the Thymus.- 2.1 Embryology.- 2.2 Normal Anatomy.- 2.3 Involution.- 3 Immunologic Function of the Thymus.- 3.1 Historical Overview.- 3.2 T Cell Molecules in Antigen Recognition.- 3.3 Ontogeny of T Cells.- 3.4 Cellular Selection in the Thymus.- 3.5 Clinical Aspects.- 3.6 Summary.- 4 Imaging Procedures for Visualization of the Thymus.- 4.1 Plain Film Diagnostics E.Walter and E.Willich.- 4.2 Conventional Tomography.- 4.3 Ultrasonography.- 4.4 Computed Tomography.- 4.5 Magnetic Resonance Imaging W.R.Webb and G.deGeer.- 4.6 Nuclear Medicine E.Walter and E.Willich.- 4.7 Esophagography.- 4.8 Angiography.- 4.9 Obsolete Methods.- 4.10 Supplementary Procedures (Mediastinography, Bronchoscopy, Bronchography) E.Willich.- 5 Diagnostic Imaging of the Normal Thymus.- 5.1 Conventional Diagnostics in Children E.Willich and E.Walter.- 5.2 Ultrasonography.- 5.3 Computed Tomography E.Walter.- 5.4 Magnetic Resonance Imaging W.R.Webb and G.deGeer.- 5.5 Invasive Procedures (Pneumomediastinography, Arteriography, Phlebography) E.Walter.- 5.6 Measurement of the Size of the Thymus E.Willich.- 6 Acute and Stress-Induced Involution of the Thymus.- 6.1 Acute Endogenous Involution of the Thymus.- 6.2 Exogenous Involution of the Thymus: the Steroid Test.- 6.3 Transplacental Influence of Steroids on the Premature Infant's Thymus.- 7 Developmental Abnormalities of the Thymus.- 7.1 Aplasia, Hypoplasia, and Dysplasia E.Willich and E.Walter.- 7.2 Dystopia.- 7.3 Persistent Thymus E.Willich.- 7.4 Hyperplasia.- 8 Tumors of the Thymus.- 8.1 Introduction E.Walter.- 8.2 Epithelial Tumors of the Thymus.- 8.3 Carcinoid Tumors of the Thymus.- 8.4 Thymic Involvement in Malignant Lymphomas and Leukemia E.Willich and E.Walter.- 8.5 MesenchymalTumors (Thymolipoma) E.Walter.- 8.6 Germ Cell Tumors and Teratomas E.Walter.- 8.7 Rare Tumors of the Thymus.- 8.8 Metastases to the Thymus.- 9 Tumor-like (Nonneoplastic) Conditions of the Thymus and/or Mediastinum.- 9.1 Thymogenic Cysts.- 9.2 Hydatidosis of the Thymus.- 9.3 Tuberculoma of the Thymus.- 9.4 Histiocytosis X of the Thymus.- 10 Trauma and Hemorrhage of the Thymus.- 10.1 Trauma.- 10.2 Hemorrhage.- 11 Thymus and Myasthenia Gravis.- 11.1 Definition of Myasthenia Gravis H.Wleth?lter.- 11.2 Clinical Manifestation.- 11.3 Associated Thymic Changes.- 11.4 Pathogenesis.- 11.5 Autoimmune Origin.- 11.6 Diagnosis.- 11.7 Treatment H.Wleth?lter.