Skin pigmentation from clofazimine therapy in leprosy patients: a reappraisal.

Job, C K; Yoder, L; Jacobson, R R; Hastings, R C · J Am Acad Dermatol · 1990

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Skin biopsy specimens from two lepromatous leprosy patients with dark brown pigmentation who were receiving long-term clofazimine therapy were studied. Ceroid-lipofuscin pigment was demonstrated inside macrophages that contained numerous phagolysosomes. These contained lipids and clofazimine that appeared as electron-lucent vacuoles and a lipofuscin pigment that was electron dense, granular, and lamellated. Although the presence of the drug in tissues contributed to the skin pigmentation, the main cause was a drug-induced, reversible ceroid lipofuscinosis.

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