Bullous Pemphigoid Exacerbated by Radiation Therapy: An Atypical Presentation

Abstract

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Radiation-Induced Localized Bullous Pemphigoid

“…To the Editor: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rarely described side-effect of external beam radiation therapy. [1][2][3][4][5] In reported cases, skin lesions typically arise after cessation of treatment and are localized to irradiation sites, on occasion spreading to nonirradiated skin or becoming more widespread. [1][2][3][4][5] In a minority of affected patients, BP develops during treatment, potentially mimicking other more common acute radiation sequalae/ effects, compounding diagnosis and, if not readily recognized, delaying appropriate patient care.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] In reported cases, skin lesions typically arise after cessation of treatment and are localized to irradiation sites, on occasion spreading to nonirradiated skin or becoming more widespread. [1][2][3][4][5] In a minority of affected patients, BP develops during treatment, potentially mimicking other more common acute radiation sequalae/ effects, compounding diagnosis and, if not readily recognized, delaying appropriate patient care. [1][2][3][4][5] Herein, we report an unusual case of localized, pauciinflammatory BP that started during radiotherapy for breast cancer.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] In a minority of affected patients, BP develops during treatment, potentially mimicking other more common acute radiation sequalae/ effects, compounding diagnosis and, if not readily recognized, delaying appropriate patient care. [1][2][3][4][5] Herein, we report an unusual case of localized, pauciinflammatory BP that started during radiotherapy for breast cancer.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Most patients have received radiotherapy for breast cancer (78%-84%), with blistering confined (at least initially; in 89%-93% of individuals) to the site of radiotherapy. [1][2][3][4][5] A relatively low dose of 20 Gy can induce skin lesions in some patients. [1][2][3][4][5] Up to two-fifths (41%) of patients progress to generalized disease.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] A relatively low dose of 20 Gy can induce skin lesions in some patients. [1][2][3][4][5] Up to two-fifths (41%) of patients progress to generalized disease. [1][2][3][4][5] Skin lesions typically develop months-to-years after treatment (range, 2 weeks to 16 years; mean, 15 months; median, 5 months).…”