Effect of low-dose radiotherapy in rotator cuff calcific tendinitis: A case report

Nataša Milenović Orcid logo ,
Nataša Milenović

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia

Sonja Lukač Orcid logo ,
Sonja Lukač

Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Novi Sad, Serbia

Silvija Lučić Orcid logo ,
Silvija Lučić

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia

Vedrana Karan Rakić Orcid logo ,
Vedrana Karan Rakić

Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Center for Radiology, Novi Sad, Serbia

Daniel Slavić Orcid logo ,
Daniel Slavić

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia

Đurđa Cvjetković Nikoletić Orcid logo ,
Đurđa Cvjetković Nikoletić

Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia

Damir Lukač Orcid logo
Damir Lukač

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine, Novi Sad, Serbia

Editor: Žiga Kozinc

Published: 10.06.2024.

Volume 16, Issue 1 (2024)

pp. 75-78;

https://doi.org/10.31382/eqol.240608

Abstract

Rotator cuff calcific tendinitis (RCCT) is an acute or chronic painful condition due to the presence of calcific deposits inside or around the tendons of the rotator cuff. Effective treatment of RCCT is crucial for restoring shoulder function, alleviating pain, and enhancing the patient’s quality of life. The treatment of RCCT is mainly divided into surgical and non-surgical treatment. Conservative treatment has been regarded as the first-line therapy, but the effectiveness of these treatments is still not well-established. When conservative treatment fails, invasive treatment, either minimally invasive or surgical, is usually indicated. Nowadays, low-dose radiotherapy has been used for the treatment of various benign conditions, including calcific tendinitis. We presented a 56-year-old female patient with intense pain and limited mobility of her left shoulder. X-rays and ultrasound of the left shoulder showed a massive oval calcification along the greater part of the m. supraspinatus measuring 41x8mm. The patient was first treated with diclopram, peranton gel, and rest. After that, it was decided to try low-dose radiotherapy. It was performed on the Vitalbeam radiotherapy platform with a conformal technique in doses of Gy 8 and 10 fractions. After the last fraction, the pain gradually disappeared and mobility was regained. The ultrasonography control 2 months after the last session showed the total disappearance of the calcification. The use of low-dose radiotherapy for benign conditions is a topic of ongoing debate in the medical community. In this case, low-dose radiotherapy proved to be an adequate method of choice without accompanying side effects, resulting in complete healing and improvement of quality of life.

Keywords

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