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Arch Dermatol. 2006;142:101-106.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Diagnosis: Postirradiation morphea.

MICROSCOPIC FINDINGS AND CLINICAL COURSE

Microscopic examination revealed a moderately intense superficial and deep perivascular and interstitial infiltrate composed of lymphocytes and plasma cells. The deep reticular dermis revealed sclerosis of the collagen bundles. The findings were consistent with an inflammatory stage of morphea. Metastatic breast carcinoma was not seen.

At the 2-week follow-up visit, it was observed that the patient’s condition had not improved without treatment. A 3-month course of twice-daily applications of 0.05% diflorasone diacetate cream was then initiated, and marked improvement in the erythema and induration at the biopsy site was noted after 6 weeks. Some residual retraction remained.

DISCUSSION

Postirradiation morphea is a potential complication of supervoltage radiation therapy, with the first major series reported in 1989.¹ The incidence is approximately 1 in 500.^2-3 Its development does not appear to be dose related,^{1, 3} with most patients having received traditional doses of supervoltage particulate irradiation (4300-5900 rad [43.0-59.0 Gy]) for breast cancer treatment.⁴ . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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Denise K. Woo, George D. Reilly, and Rosalie Elenitsas
Arch Dermatol. 2006;142(1):101-106.
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