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- Title
Aluminum tattoo: a phenomenon that can resemble parasitized histiocytes.
- Authors
Elston, Drink M.; Bergfeld, Wilma F.; McMohan, James T.
- Abstract
We present a study of aluminum tattoos that resulted from aluminum chloride cauterization of biopsy sites. The stippled macrophages were studied by light and electron microscopy and by means of X-ray energy spectroscopy (XES) analysis. The light microscopic appearance may he striking, and may mimic the appearance of parasitized histiocytcs, although the particles are larger and vary in size and shape. The basophilic particles are electron dense by electron microscopy. XES analysis demonstrated distinct emission peaks corresponding to aluminum, calcium, and phosphorus. Only a minor chloride emission peak was identified. The particles may represent an inorganic precipitate or an organic compound in which aluminum, calcium, and phosphate form a complex with protein.
- Subjects
ALUMINUM; TATTOOING; MACROPHAGES; X-rays; SPECTRUM analysis; ELECTRON microscopy
- Publication
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, 1993, Vol 20, Issue 4, p326
- ISSN
0303-6987
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1600-0560.1993.tb01270.x