Histopathology of Red Tattoo Reactions.
Journal
The American Journal of dermatopathology
ISSN: 1533-0311
Titre abrégé: Am J Dermatopathol
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 7911005
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
01 May 2021
01 May 2021
Historique:
pubmed:
1
8
2020
medline:
16
11
2021
entrez:
1
8
2020
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Despite popularity of tattoos, complications may occur. In particular, red tattoo reactions due to allergic reactions are the most frequent chronic tattoo reactions. However, little is known about its histopathology and underlying pathomechanisms. The aim of this article is to analyze the histopathology of red tattoo reactions for diagnostic purposes and to acquire more insight into pathogenesis. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the histopathology of 74 skin biopsies of patients with allergic red tattoo reactions. Histopathological findings, such as inflammation patterns, inflammatory cells and pigment depth and color, were semi-quantified with an in-house validated scoring system by 2 independent senior investigators. Histiocytes and lymphocytes were both present in >93%. Histiocytes were the predominant inflammatory cells in 74.3%, but well-defined granulomas were mostly absent (78.0%). Eosinophils were uncommon (8.1%) The predominantly histiocytic reaction combined with interface dermatitis was the main inflammation pattern (37.9%). Most biopsies showed more than one reaction pattern. Interface involvement was observed in 64.8%, despite the intended depth of standard tattoo procedures, in which pigment is placed deeper, in the upper- and mid-dermis. Statistical analyses showed a significant association between inflammation severity and pigment depth (P = 0.024). In 6 cases (8.1%) pigments could not be retrieved histologically. In this cohort we demonstrated that cutaneous reactions to red tattoo ink are frequently characterized by the combination of dermal predominantly histiocytic infiltrates and epidermal interface dermatitis. Allergic reactions to red tattoo pigments probably represent a combination of a subtype IVa and IVc allergic reaction. Clinicians should be aware of the specific histopathology of these reactions and therefore the importance of taking a diagnostic skin biopsy.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Despite popularity of tattoos, complications may occur. In particular, red tattoo reactions due to allergic reactions are the most frequent chronic tattoo reactions. However, little is known about its histopathology and underlying pathomechanisms.
OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to analyze the histopathology of red tattoo reactions for diagnostic purposes and to acquire more insight into pathogenesis.
METHODS
METHODS
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the histopathology of 74 skin biopsies of patients with allergic red tattoo reactions. Histopathological findings, such as inflammation patterns, inflammatory cells and pigment depth and color, were semi-quantified with an in-house validated scoring system by 2 independent senior investigators.
RESULTS
RESULTS
Histiocytes and lymphocytes were both present in >93%. Histiocytes were the predominant inflammatory cells in 74.3%, but well-defined granulomas were mostly absent (78.0%). Eosinophils were uncommon (8.1%) The predominantly histiocytic reaction combined with interface dermatitis was the main inflammation pattern (37.9%). Most biopsies showed more than one reaction pattern. Interface involvement was observed in 64.8%, despite the intended depth of standard tattoo procedures, in which pigment is placed deeper, in the upper- and mid-dermis. Statistical analyses showed a significant association between inflammation severity and pigment depth (P = 0.024). In 6 cases (8.1%) pigments could not be retrieved histologically.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort we demonstrated that cutaneous reactions to red tattoo ink are frequently characterized by the combination of dermal predominantly histiocytic infiltrates and epidermal interface dermatitis. Allergic reactions to red tattoo pigments probably represent a combination of a subtype IVa and IVc allergic reaction. Clinicians should be aware of the specific histopathology of these reactions and therefore the importance of taking a diagnostic skin biopsy.
Identifiants
pubmed: 32732691
pii: 00000372-202105000-00002
doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000001751
doi:
Substances chimiques
Coloring Agents
0
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
331-337Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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