Identification of foreign metallic substances inducing hyperpigmentation of skin: light microscopy, electron...

Identification of foreign metallic substances that induce hyperpigmentation is now possible with the use of x-ray energy spectroscopy (XES), an ultrastructure, nondestructive technique that allows the correlation of the presence of foreign substances with localized tissue and cellular histological changes. This new analytic technique will be an innovative adjunctive technique in the practice of diagnostic pathology and dermatopathology. It is certain that further evaluation of hyperpigmentation will allow for better identification of possible etiological causes, especially in the evaluation of cutaneous hyperpigmentation secondary to metal toxicity.