Blue man: Ochronosis in Otolaryngology

Abstract

Blue discoloration of the skin and cartilage, or ochronosis, is a rare physical examination finding. We present two cases of childhood onset ochronosis, one exogenous and one endogenous in etiology. The first was caused by minocycline use for severe acne, and the second was caused by congenital alkaptonuria.

Black Bone Disease: Ochronotic Arthritis Detected during Knee Arthroplasty

“…Exogenous ochronosis is mainly caused by using drugs, such as antimalarials and tetracyclines and those containing hydroquinone and phenol. [ 10 , 11 ] Endogenous ochronosis is a systemic metabolic disorder caused by the deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGO), which results in the accumulation of HGA in the body. HGA is an intermediate metabolite produced during the metabolism of the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, which are oxidized to form benzoquinone acetic acid.…”