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Case Reports
. 2020 Nov;86(11):2325-2327.
doi: 10.1111/bcp.14313. Epub 2020 Apr 20.

Extensive hard palate hyperpigmentation associated with chloroquine use

Géssica Vasconcelos Godinho  1 , Ana Luiza Lima Medeiros Paz  1 , Elâine Patrícia Alves de Araújo Gomes  2 , Cristiane Loreda Garcia  2 , Luiz Evaristo Ricci Volpato  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Extensive hard palate hyperpigmentation associated with chloroquine use

Géssica Vasconcelos Godinho et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

A 66-year-old woman diagnosed clinical manifestation of extensive hard palate hyperpigmentation is presented. Due to historic of rheumatoid arthritis and use of chloroquine phosphate for 3 years, exogenous hyperpigmentation associated with the drug was included among the possible diagnoses. Incisional biopsy was performed and the histopathological exam confirmed exogenous hyperpigmentation compatible with chloroquine use. The patient was referred to the rheumatologist and the ophthalmologist for evaluation of the continuity of the chloroquine use. After one year of follow-up, no changes were seen in the hyperpigmentation nor other clinical changes. Hyperpigmentation of the hard palate by the use of chloroquine is one of the adverse effects of the chronic use of this drug and does not require specific treatment. The adequate anamnesis and the knowledge about the adverse effects of the drug allowed an adequate therapeutic approach in the case.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Clinical aspect of the color alteration present in the hard palate with a diameter of approximately 3 cm and evolution of 1 year
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
A, Histological sections showing fragment of oral mucosa coated with parakeratinized stratified paved epithelium. B, Exogenous pigmentation of blackish color arranged in bands
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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