Pentazocine induced myocutaneous sclerosis.

A patient who developed myocutaneous sclerosis as a result of aggressive parenteral administration of the analgesic pentazocine is described and the literature reviewed. In addition to the dermatopathologic and myopathic abnormalities usually present in this disorder, our patient manifested unique features of brachial plexus neuropathy and radiographically evident soft tissue calcification. Our report serves as a reminder that caution should be employed when the use of pentazocine as a longterm analgesic agent is considered.