Ann Dermatol.  2019 Dec;31(6):666-668. 10.5021/ad.2019.31.6.666.

Localized Cutaneous Argyria Mimicking Blue Nevus after Wearing Earrings

• Hong SG
• Jo SY
• Heo EP
• Ro KW

• KMID: 2461990
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2019.31.6.666

Abstract

Localized cutaneous argyria is a rare condition in which the skin changes into blue-grey spots due to the absorption of silver. The lesions need to be differentiated from other pigmentary disorders and require radiographic and histological examination for more accurate diagnosis. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy can be a confirmatory tool in the evaluation of silver elements in biopsy tissue. This report shows the localized cutaneous argyria in earlobe of a 21-year-old woman who wears silver earrings for 10 years.

Keyword

Argyria; Blue nevus; Scanning electron microscopy; X-ray emission spectrometry

MeSH Terms

Absorption
Argyria*
Biopsy
Diagnosis
Ear*
Female
Humans
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Nevus, Blue*
Silver
Skin
Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission
Young Adult
Silver

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 The patient presented solitary bluish macule on right posterior earlobe.

• 

  Fig. 2 Microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen from a right earlobe. (A) Discrete, fine, dark granules and deposition of foreign substance on the basement membrane of eccrine sweat glands (H&E, ×400). (B) Deposition of brown fiber-like foreign substance (arrowheads) on the dermal elastic and collagen fibers (H&E, ×400). (C) Scanning electron microscopy demonstrates small white particles (arrow). BSE: backscattered electrons mode. (D) Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis identified the particles as minute fragments of silver (Ag) and confirms admixed silica (Si).

Reference

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