Fluoroscopy-Induced Chronic Radiation Dermatitis: A Comprehensive Review and Reappraisal

Fluoroscopy-induced chronic radiation dermatitis (FICRD) is a rare complication of prolonged radiation exposure during noninvasive fluoroscopic procedures. The condition develops due to radiation-induced tissue damage, leading to inflammatory cytokines causing long-term tissue remodeling. Fluoroscopy-induced chronic radiation dermatitis can pose diagnostic challenges, as it can manifest months to years after the procedure-thus, patients may not associate skin findings with prior fluoroscopy. The diagnostic challenge may be further compounded because FICRD may have clinical manifestations that mimic other common dermatologic diseases; however, specific patient characteristics, morphology, and most importantly the location of the lesions should prompt an investigation into the patient's history of fluoroscopic procedures. Management of FICRD should be based on its clinical manifestations but may remain resistant to treatment.