[Morphology of the thymus as an index of immunodeficient states in children].

Thymus and other lymph organs were examined in 4799 dead infants and stillborns for the detection of immune deficiency conditions. Congenital immune deficiencies were found in 12 cases (11 deaths and 1 stillbirth) which made 2.5 cases per 1000. Changes in the thymus were found to be most important for the elucidation of the presence or absence of congenital defects of the immune system. Five main types of thymus changes were distinguished: agenesis, hypoplasia of the reticuloepithelium, hypoplasia of the lymphatic tissue, unscheduled fatty metamorphosis, hyperplasia of the lymphatic tissue with or without formation of follicles. A pattern of immune defect is suggested on the basis of changes in the thymus.