[Light microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis of amalgam pigmentation]

24 cases of amalgam pigmentation were analyzed by light microscope. 16 cases were amalgam debris, 8 cases were amalgam fragments and debris mixed. The amalgam distributed mainly along basement membrane of the epithelium, wall of blood vessels, nerve fibers, reticular fibers and endomysiums. In case where amalgam entered the bone, bone cells disappeared, lacuna emptied and microfracture of bony trabecullae occurred. In 8 cases pathologic calcification were found and in 18 cases there were inflammatory responses. 2 cases were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray. It was found that in the different sites of tissues there were different content of Ag, Hg, Sn and Ca.