Oral mucosal hyperpigmentation secondary to antimalarial drug therapy

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2000 Aug;90(2):189-94. doi: 10.1067/moe.2000.106340.

Abstract

A case of oral mucosal hyperpigmentation resulting from antimalarial drug therapy is presented. The patient reported a history of long-term quinacrine therapy and exhibited diffuse blue-gray pigmentation of the nail beds and the skin of the nasal ala. Microscopic examination of the involved mucosa showed macrophages, containing both melanin and ferric iron, scattered within the connective tissue adjacent to the epithelium. The clinical, historical, and microscopic features of antimalarial-induced pigmentation are discussed. Other causes of diffuse or multifocal oral pigmentation are also addressed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antimalarials / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanosis / chemically induced*
  • Melanosis / pathology
  • Mouth Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Mouth Diseases / pathology
  • Mouth Mucosa / drug effects*
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Quinacrine / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Quinacrine