Erythema Multiforme Following Deep X-Ray Therapy

Erythema multiforme Associated with Radiotherapy

“…In our 3 cases radiotherapy for a deep neoplasia was given at time or just before the beginning of the eruption, as described in the literature [1][2][3][4][5]. Radiotherapy is accepted as a 'w ell documented' factor [6] but it should be emphasized that this claim is based only on case reports without any experimental evidence that X-ray could induce EM.…”

“…Fol lowing this historical observ ation. 45 cases were reported in the literature between 1903 and 1985 [2][3][4][5], some of which did not fit the diagnostic cri teria of EM [6], This raised the question of the nosology of EM and that of'roentgen dermatitis' [7], We present 3 cases of EM that occurred dur ing a deep X-ray therapy for visceral neoplasia and review the role of radiotherapy as a triggering factor.…”

Eosinophilia Following Radiation Therapy

“…Experimental evidence does indicate that histamine re lease occurs following radiation [26]. Clinical observation on "radiation sick ness' [27] and generalized skin reactions associated with radiotherapy [28,29] also suggest that histamine release is responsible for some of these syn dromes. In fact, generalized skin eruptions resulting from radiotherapy are almost invariably associated with eosinophilia [28], and were observed in 2 patients in the present study.…”

“…Clinical observation on "radiation sick ness' [27] and generalized skin reactions associated with radiotherapy [28,29] also suggest that histamine release is responsible for some of these syn dromes. In fact, generalized skin eruptions resulting from radiotherapy are almost invariably associated with eosinophilia [28], and were observed in 2 patients in the present study. Moreover, relief of skin reactions and 'radia tion sickness' by antihistamines with a concomitant drop in eosinophilia has been noted by other authors [9,27], We are currently evaluating in collabora tion with Dr. Harriet G ilbert urinary and plasma histamine during ra diotherapy and preliminary results demonstrate an increase in histamine ex cretion from baseline levels in 2 of 4 patients.…”

Cancer, Erythema Annulare Centrifugum, Autoimmunity

“…Rothman 6,T believed malignant tumor breakdown is more likely to be associated with dissemination of tumor material result¬ ing in cutaneous reactions. Bolstering this idea are the reactions following deep x-ray therapy 15,16 and, in fact, such constitutional responses may mimic a variety of skin dis¬ eases including erythema multiforme.…”