[Subcutaneous calcinosis, a late and severe complication of radiotherapy: Three cases]

Radiation-induced subcutaneous calcinosis is a rare and special form of potentially severe subcutaneous calcinosis of late onset. Herein, we report three cases of this disease, occurring in each instance more than 10 years after use of radiotherapy as an adjuvant treatment in breast cancer.

Our report concerns 3 women aged 69-88 years consulting for pre-sternal ulcers (n=2) and/or subcutaneous nodules (n=2). These lesions developed on areas irradiated between 10 and 38 years earlier for breast cancer. In all three cases, radiological explorations showed extensive subcutaneous calcification. In one case, calcification extended into the mediastinum. In each patient, a diagnosis of radiation-induced subcutaneous calcinosis was made and symptomatic treatment was given.

Radiation-induced subcutaneous calcinosis is an irreversible and rare complication of high-dose radiation that usually occurs several years after radiotherapy. Its severity is related to potential ulcerations, pain and a risk for in-depth extension up to the mediastina. This complication remains unclear and treatment has not been codified. The only option seems to be "heavy" plastic surgery.