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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
06:21
Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Assessment of Acute Ionizing Radiation Induced Skin Toxicity Using a Mouse Model
Published on: May 27, 2016
Mixed connective tissue disease and radiation toxicity. A case report
N A Mayr1, C E Riggs, K G Saag
1Department of Radiology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, USA.
Cancer
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) may experience severe skin reactions following radiation therapy, similar to those seen in lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Careful consideration of radiation techniques is crucial for managing toxicity in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Rheumatology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Long-term radiation sequelae are documented in lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis patients post-irradiation.
- No prior reports detail such complications in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).
Observation:
- A case of breast carcinoma with axillary metastasis in a patient with pre-existing MCTD is presented.
- This report is the first to describe adverse effects of breast irradiation in an MCTD patient.
Findings:
- Moderate radiation doses to the breast and lymphatics caused significant early and late skin and subcutaneous tissue toxicity.
- The observed tissue injury mirrored reactions in lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis patients.
- Early moist desquamation correlated with epidermal radiation dose; late subcutaneous fibrosis correlated with dermal capillary and connective tissue dose.
Implications:
- MCTD patients may exhibit exaggerated radiation reactions, similar to lupus and scleroderma patients.
- The risks and benefits of radiation therapy must be carefully weighed in MCTD patients, especially if alternatives exist.
- Judicious radiotherapy techniques can potentially mitigate or prevent skin toxicity in MCTD patients when radiation is necessary.
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