Desipramine-induced blue-gray photosensitive pigmentation.
BACKGROUND
Blue-gray pigmentation of the skin can be elicited by several medications. We report the first case (to our knowledge) of desipramine-induced photosensitive blue-gray pigmentation.


METHODS
Diffuse blue-gray pigmentation on sun-exposed surfaces was noted in a healthy 48-year-old woman who had been taking desipramine hydrochloride for 8 years. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated the presence of melanin and homogeneous electron-dense material in the dermis.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that tricyclic antidepressant agents represent another class of medications responsible for blue-gray cutaneous pigmentation.
Narurkar
V
V
Department of Dermatology, Stanford University Medical Center, CA 94305.
Smoller
B R
BR
Hu
C H
CH
Bauer
E A
EA
D003891:Desipramine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications
D003891:Desipramine