Radiation recall is an inflammatory reaction at a previously irradiated site, thought to represent delayed radiosensitisation, which may occur as late as 17months after radiotherapy [1,2]. It has been described with dactinomycin or doxorubicin, and certain other drugs (see table) [1][2][3]11]. We observed the following, previously undescribed interaction:
Eight months before the reported episode, a 55 year old postmenopausal woman (weight 76 kg) presented with a ductal carcinoma of the external quadrants of the right breast, pTla, pNlbiii, cM0, estrogen-and progesterone-receptors-positive. At the end of January, she underwent a quadrantectomy with axillary node dissection, followed by tamoxifen 20 mg per day po, and, in March and April, radiation therapy 48,25 Gy to the whole breast, with a 15 Gy boost over the tumoral bed. A dry radiodermatitis ensued, more pronounced in the boost field.
In May a purulent pharyngitis began, which was diagnosed in July as nasopharyngeal tuberculosis: cultures of the nasopharynx and broncho-alveolar lavage disclosed M. tuberculosis sensitive to isoniazid, streptomycin, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. Macroscopic lesions were limited to the upper airways. Breast examination showed only residual radiodermatitis, namely slightly oedematous pigmentation of the irradiated