# Intestinal failure from thymoma-associated autoimmune enteropathy: a rare case report

## TL;DR

A rare case of intestinal failure caused by autoimmune enteropathy linked to a metastatic thymoma is reported, leading to the patient's death.

## Contribution

This case report highlights a rare manifestation of metastatic thymoma presenting as autoimmune enteropathy.

## Key findings

- Autoimmune enteropathy was confirmed through gastrointestinal biopsies.
- The patient's condition deteriorated despite treatment with budesonide, Mesalazine, and nutritional support.
- The patient's death was attributed to complications from intestinal failure caused by the disease.

## Abstract

We describe a case of altered bowel habit, early satiety, anorexia and weight loss caused by autoimmune enteropathy. This diagnosis was confirmed by biopsies obtained from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and ileocolonoscopy. Further investigations revealed multiple pulmonary nodules which were metastases from a malignant thymoma. The patient was commenced on oral budesonide and Mesalazine, in addition to oral and enteral supplementation driven by the specialist nutrition support team, but she did not achieve histological remission, nor did she demonstrate improvement in her nutritional status. She received 3-weeks of in-patient parenteral nutrition, but then subsequently deteriorated as she declined home parenteral nutrition. The patient died eight months later from complications of her disease. This case highlights the rare manifestation of metastatic thymoma presenting with autoimmune enteropathy that led to intestinal failure and death.