Ultrastructural study of a leukoderma secondary to an intra-articular injection of corticoides
Bioulac, P.; Beylot, C.
Annales de Dermatologie et de Venereologie 104(12): 883-885
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0151-9638 PMID: 613958 Document Number: 123901
This localized depigmentation following intraarticular injections of corticoids has only recently been reported. The case detailed is of a 35 yr old woman with a right epicondylitis for which she received an intra- or periarticular injection of triamcinolone acetonide. About 3 mo. later an atrophic and depigmented area appeared at the elbow. Ten months after the injection this decided achromia became extended along a track on the external side of the arm. Repigmentation began 1 yr after the corticoid injection, and became complete after a total of 13 mo. A circular punch biopsy was made at the 10th mo., using a comparison area in the adjacent normal area. The results of the ultrastructural study are described. Abnormalities were found exclusively in the basal layer; keratinization of the other layers was normal. The possible etiologies are considered. No detailed biochemical mechanism for these pigment changes can be identified at present.