Distribution characteristics of germinal centers in thymoma and their correlation with myasthenia gravis

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2026.03.013

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To investigate the correlation between the number and distribution of germinal centers (GCs) in thymoma and clinicopathological parameters, and to explore its potential as a novel reference indicator for evaluating the clinical course and prognosis of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on thymoma cases diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2019 and June 2025. The GCs were analyzed in relation to patients' clinical and pathological characteristic. Results The number of GCs was significantly higher in thymoma cases complicated with MG compared to those without MG (P＜0.001). Among MG-complicated thymoma cases, a significant difference was observed in the gradient of GCs numbers between type Ⅰ (ocular) and type Ⅱ (generalized) MG (P=0.039). Additionally, the number of peritumoral GCs was significantly greater than that of intratumoral GCs (P=0.004). Conclusion GCs show certain correlations with clinicopathological parameters in thymoma patients and are closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of MG. A higher number of GCs is associated with a increased risk of MG symptoms, These findings suggest that GCs may serve as a potential monitoring indicator for the occurrence and progression of MG.

Key words: thymoma, myasthenia gravis, germinal centers, autoimmunity, immune microenvironment, , clinicopathological parameters

CLC Number:

Li Zhong, Wang Conghui, Wang Shengnan, Fu Yongjuan, Zhao Lihong, Wang Yaye, Teng Lianghong. Distribution characteristics of germinal centers in thymoma and their correlation with myasthenia gravis[J]. Journal of Capital Medical University, 2026, 47(3): 514-519.

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