title: Aluminum tattoo: a phenomenon that can resemble parasitized histiocytes.
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 be striking, and may mimic the appearance of parasitized histiocytes, 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Elston
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Bergfeld
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: McMahon
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum; D000077410:Aluminum Chloride; D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects; D001706:Biopsy; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002425:Cautery / Q000009:adverse effects; D002712:Chlorides / Q000009:adverse effects; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D006644:Histiocytes / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology*; D013653:Tattooing
chemical_list: D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D002712:Chlorides; D010758:Phosphorus; D000077410:Aluminum Chloride; D000535:Aluminum; D002118:Calcium