Eur J Dermatol. 2002 Nov-Dec; 12(6): 609-11.

Localized argyria 20-years after embedding of acupuncture needles.

Takeishi E, Hirose R, Hamasaki Y, Katayama I.

Department of Dermatology, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Japan. emikot@za2.so-net.ne.jp

We report a 66-year-old woman with localized argyria caused by embedding of acupuncture needles. Ten years after she had received acupuncture, she noticed two asymptomatic bluish macules on her right arm. A biopsied specimen from the macule revealed many brownish-black granules mainly located around the sweat glands and the blood vessels in the dermis. The X-ray examination of the extremities revealed numerous needle-like fragments around her extremities. "Embedding of needles" induces some serious adverse events. We should know the adverse events for the safety and health of patients.