[A case report of a metal allergy patient whose prosthesis was identified allergenic by non-destructive metal element analysis and a dermatological patch test].

PATIENT

A 70-year-old man. Eczema of the palm (Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris). A positive response to chromium was identified by a dermatological patch test. Metal elements used in his dental restorations were analyzed by non-destructive metal element analysis, and chromium was identified only in the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns restored in his maxillary central and lateral incisors and canines. Resin facing crowns made of a gold, silver and palladium alloy were installed after those crowns were removed.

DISCUSSION

With all of the interviews performed with this patient, identification of the allergenic restoration in his mouth was difficult. For this kind of metal allergy patient, a combination of metal element analysis of intra-oral restorations with a dermatological patch test seems to be very useful.

CONCLUSION

This patient's allergic symptoms were ameliorated with minimal selective removal of his intra-oral metal restorations by non-destructive, intra-oral metal element analysis.