Granulomatous reaction to titanium alloy: An unusual reaction to ear piercing - 09/08/11
Denver and Golden, Colorado; and Manhattan, Kansas
Abstract |
A 68-year-old man presented with 4 firm, flesh-colored, and slightly erythematous nodules located on the superior pole and lobule of each ear. Although reluctant to provide details, it was discovered he had pierced his ears approximately 10 years earlier, and the nodules developed at the sites of the piercings. Keloids were suggested clinically and the lesions were excised. Microscopic examination demonstrated epithelialized tracts surrounded by a granulomatous infiltrate of macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Closer examination revealed minute brown-black particles within macrophages. Dark-field microscopy confirmed the metallic nature of the particles. Environmental scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed the particles to be composed of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. It would appear that in rare circumstances titanium alloy used in body piercing may engender a granulomatous dermatitis. The rarity of such a response to titanium alloy is discussed and the literature appraised.
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Funding sources: None. Conflicts of interest: None identified. Presented as an oral abstract at the American Society of Dermatopathology 42nd Annual Meeting, Seattle, Wash, October 20-23, 2005. |
Vol 55 - N° 4
P. 716-720 - octobre 2006 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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