Imipramine-Induced Cutaneous and Iris Hyperpigmentation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Objective

To describe a novel case of imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation and characterize the literature pertaining to imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation to this point. Data Sources: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched through July 2021 utilizing various combinations of imipramine, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation. The references of initial articles were searched for more case reports and imipramine-related literature. Also, articles that cited the references identified in the literature search were reviewed using Google Scholar. Only articles published in English were included. Study Selection: A total of 19 cases of imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation were found in 15 publications to date. All cases were included to determine the variation in clinical presentations of this rare condition. Data Extraction: The case reports were reviewed in their entirety for information concerning patient demographic, clinical presentation, histologic findings on biopsy, and treatment options for imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation.

Results

This presentation, to our knowledge, represents the third case of imipramine-induced iris hyperpigmentation, the first case of iris hyperpigmentation occurring in a blue-eyed individual, and the first report to include pictures of the hyperpigmented irides. A novel proposed pathophysiologic mechanism is also provided.

Conclusions

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant with a rare side effect of cutaneous and iris hyperpigmentation. Granular dermal deposits in microscopy appear to be the cause of this discoloration. Treatment primarily focuses on discontinuing imipramine or laser therapy.