Congenital Pathology of the Thymus

Given its central role in the production and maturation of thymocytes, congenital anomalies of the thymus invariably result in some degree of impairment in immune function. The thymus is the largest lymphoid organ relative to body size during fetal life, and is chiefly concerned with the production of immunocompetent T-cells, with their repertoire of helper, cytotoxic, suppressor, and inducer functions in the immune system. In this context, congenital anomalies of the thymus may have a profound impact on neonatal health.