Black bones following long-term minocycline treatment.
During a surgical procedure, black vertebrae were observed in a 42-year-old white woman. An undecalcified iliac crest bone biopsy specimen revealed intense fluorescence compatible with tetracycline labeling and osteoporosis. A urinary screening test was negative for amino acids. The patient had been treated with minocycline hydrochloride (100 to 300 mg/d) for at least 6 years. Since minocycline is known to discolor many body tissues, it is likely that the black discoloration of bone in our patient was caused by the long-term intake of the antibiotic.
Rumbak
M J
MJ
Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
Pitcock
J A
JA
Palmieri
G M
GM
Robertson
J T
JT
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000473:pathology; D008911:Minocycline / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013997:Time Factors
D008911:Minocycline