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Occupational argyria; light and electron microscopic studies and X-ray microanalysis

S S Bleehen, D J Gould, C I Harrington

    The British Journal of Dermatology
    |January 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    Occupational argyria is characterized by brown-black granules in the skin, primarily composed of silver and sulfur. These granules, found near sweat glands and elastic fibers, may also contain other occupational metals.

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    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Toxicology
    • Materials Science

    Background:

    • Occupational argyria is a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to silver.
    • Skin manifestations include characteristic discoloration due to metal deposition.
    • Understanding the precise nature and location of these deposits is crucial for diagnosis and management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize the microscopic and elemental composition of skin deposits in patients with occupational argyria.
    • To identify the specific locations within the skin where these granules accumulate.
    • To investigate the potential presence of other occupational elements alongside silver.

    Main Methods:

    • Light microscopy and dark-field illumination of skin biopsies.
    • Electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis of granules.

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  • X-ray microanalysis to determine elemental composition of the deposits.

    • Main Results:

    • Skin biopsies revealed small, brown-black, refractile granules in the dermis.
    • Electron microscopy showed electron-dense granules (30-100 nm) near basal laminae of eccrine sweat glands, epidermis, and dermal elastic fibers.
    • X-ray microanalysis confirmed silver and sulfur in many granules, with additional detection of selenium, mercury, titanium, and iron.

    Conclusions:

    • The study elucidates the ultrastructural and elemental characteristics of occupational argyria deposits.
    • Granules are predominantly silver and sulfur, localized around dermal structures.
    • Co-deposition of other occupational metals suggests broader exposure risks in affected individuals.