title: Argyria: microanalytic-morphologic correlation using paraffin-embedded tissue.
abstract: Scanning electron microscopes, which have energy dispersive spectroscopy (x-ray microanalysis) capability, can provide accurate identification of the composition of inorganic deposits in tissue. We report a case of florid argyria in which the same deparaffinized 4-micron sections were sequentially examined by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, backscattered electron imaging, and x-ray microanalysis to confirm the clinical impression of argyria. We recommend the use of x-ray microanalysis of paraffin-embedded tissue as a simple, rapid and inexpensive means of precise identification of inorganic deposits of heavy elements in tissue sections.
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000368:Aged; D001129:Argyria / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D002831:Choroid Plexus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D005260:Female; D006652:Histological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010232:Paraffin; D012834:Silver / Q000378:metabolism; D012835:Silver Nitrate / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D012834:Silver; D010232:Paraffin; D012835:Silver Nitrate