SLATE-GRAY COLOR IN PATIENTS RECEIVING CHLORPROMAZINE

Clinical and Forensic Aspects of the Different Subtypes of Argyria

Argyria encompasses the different cosmetic alterations that can develop if enough silver particles deposit in a specific tissue, typically in the skin, ranging from localized dark-blue macules to a generalized slate-gray/bluish tinge following systemic absorption. This work aims to fully review the state of the art regarding pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and relevant clinical and forensic features of argyria. Argyria has been diagnosed in a wide range of ages, both sexes and varied ethnicities, with no known individual predisposing factors. Ultraviolet radiation with subsequence increases of melanin production aggravates the discoloration due to a reduction in the silver deposits. Physical examination and silver exposure in the anamnesis can be highly suggestive of the diagnosis, but a histopathological analysis with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy is required to unequivocally determine the discoloration etiology. Safe and effective treatment has only been accomplished with laser techniques, though only a few cases have been reported and with limited follow-up time. In conclusion, argyria typically has an occupational or iatrogenic etiology. It should be suspected when a patient presents with typical skin or eye lesions. A seemingly viable treatment modality, with laser technology, is finally within the horizon.

Imipramine hyperpigmentation: a slate-gray discoloration caused by long-term imipramine administration

A 48-year-old white woman, skin type III, had a slate-gray discoloration of the face and dorsa of both hands after ingesting imipramine, 150 mg/day for 5 years. Her iris color was also darkened. One year after cessation of the therapy, the discoloration became lighter. Sun-protected skin showed no discoloration. Light microscopy revealed an accumulation of doubly refractile golden yellow granules in the papillary dermis, mostly scattered, with some concentration around the blood vessels but not in the endothelial cells. Electron micrographs showed numerous amorphous electron-dense inclusion bodies in histiocytes, phagocytes, fibroblasts, and dermal dendrocytes. Melanosomes were phagocytosed in the same cells but in separated locations. Imipramine is structurally related to chlorpromazine and can cause slate-gray discoloration. However, the color of the granules deposited in the papillary dermis is golden-yellow and they are not deposited in endothelial cells.

Analysis of cutaneous foreign bodies

Foreign materials from exogenous sources pose a constant challenge to the diagnostic skills of practicing dermatologists. Depending upon circumstances, radiologic, histologic, and ultrastructural techniques can be of assistance in ascertaining the presence and nature of the substance in question. With technologic advancements, identification of small-sized particles is no longer limited to morphologic study alone. Ultrastructural analytic techniques now permit identification of minute particles or quantities of material in tissues with relative ease. No doubt, further application of currently available and newly evolving analytic systems will expand our limits of detection and enhance our scientific knowledge.