Congenital athymia

Congenital Athymia (pronounced: kənˈjenədl əˈTHīmēə) is a rare and severe immunodeficiency disorder characterized by the absence of a thymus, an organ that is essential in the development of T cells.

Etymology

The term "Congenital Athymia" is derived from the Latin word "congenitus" meaning "born with" and the Greek word "athymia" meaning "without thymus".

Overview

Congenital Athymia is a condition that is present from birth, resulting in severe immunodeficiency due to the absence of the thymus. The thymus is a small organ located behind the breastbone, which plays a vital role in the immune system by producing T cells or T lymphocytes. These cells help protect the body from infections and diseases.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Congenital Athymia can vary, but they often include severe and recurrent infections, failure to thrive, and a range of autoimmune disorders.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Congenital Athymia typically involves a series of tests including blood tests to check for the presence of T cells, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan to confirm the absence of the thymus.

Treatment

Treatment for Congenital Athymia often involves Bone marrow transplant or thymus transplant. These treatments aim to restore the immune function by providing a new source of T cells.

Related Terms

• Immunodeficiency
• Thymus
• T cells
• Bone marrow transplant

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Congenital athymia
• Wikipedia's article - Congenital athymia

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