Radiotherapy of benign diseases-scleredema adultorum Buschke.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Scleredema adultorum Buschke is a rare disorder characterized by thickening of the dermis of the neck, head and upper trunk. Its etiology is unknown, but there may be a preceding history of infection and there is a known association with diabetes mellitus. Women are more frequently affected. Usually, the disease is self-limiting but some patients show progressive disease. In these cases therapeutic options are poor, with only case reports and small series supporting their use.

CASE REPORT:

A 58-year-old patient with a scleredema of the neck and upper trunk is described, who was treated twice within 6 months by electron-beam radiation therapy. After the second course his symptoms improved significantly. A review of the literature of radiation treatment of this disease is given.

CONCLUSION:

. Regardless of the possible mechanisms in pathogenesis and treatment of scleredema adultorum Buschke, the application of ionizing radiation is an important, effective and well-tolerated therapy option in the treatment of severe cases and may candidate as the first-line treatment of this disease.

• Authors: Stefan Könemann, Stefan Hesselmann, Tobias Bölling, Stephan Grabbe, Andreas Schuck, Christos Moustakis, Daniela De Simoni, Normann Willich, Oliver Micke
• Journal: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Organ der Deutschen Rontgengesellschaft ... [et al] (Strahlenther Onkol) Vol. 180 Issue 12 Pg. 811-4 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 1439-099X [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 15592702 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Practice Guidelines as Topic
• Practice Patterns, Physicians'
• Radiotherapy, Conformal (methods)
• Scleredema Adultorum (diagnosis, radiotherapy)
• Treatment Outcome