Severe ⁶⁰Co-Ulcer on the Left Anterior Chest Wall with a Concomitant Necrosis of Ribs, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Cardiomyopathy and Chronic Pericarditis

Abstract

A 54-year-old woman with severe ⁶⁰Co-ulcer on the left anterior chest wall was treated. She had had a left mammary carcinoma 13 years previously, therefore radical surgery and ⁶⁰Co irradiation for 3 months had been prescribed. Twelve years after the ⁶⁰Co irradiation, she had a chronic ⁶⁰Co-dermatitis with ulcer on the left anterior chest wall. Complications were necrosis of ribs, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiomyopathy and chronic, effusive, constrictive pericarditis. Because of these complications, we planned to cover the ulcer with a local flap and a tubed pedicle flap. As a result of complete removal of the necrosis and the necrotic ribs, the pulmonary pleura and the pericardium were exposed. We succeeded the covering these lesions and she discharged in a good condition.