Absorption and migration of tattoo pigments in the human body: tubal factor infertility determined by foreign body reaction in the fallopian tube of tattoo pigments

Zusammenfassung We present a case of a 36-year-old female with tubal factor infertility that may be caused by tattoo associated foreign body reaction in the right fallopian tube. Laparoscopic findings showed a brown-pigmented lesion on the right fimbrial area. The histological examination confirmed migrated tattoo ink. So, we provide the first case of histological proven tattoo pigments in internal organs in the human body. Our case indicates that tattoo ink is transported further than previously proven and that the clinical consequences of migrated tattoo ink might have been underestimated.

Anamnese und klinischer Befund A 36-year-old female presented with primary sterility to further investigation and therapy.

The patient reported a history of hydrosalpinx with a bilateral laparoscopic salpingostomy in 2019. Pelvic ultrasound demonstrated a dilated right fallopian tube measuring 53x29 mm with the suspect of hydrosalpinx. The patient has a tattoo on the left foot and on the right shoulder. A laparoscopy was scheduled before in vitro fertilization.

Diagnose Laparoscopic findings showed a bilateral hydrosalpinx of the fallopian tubes. On the right fallopian tube there was a clinical suspect of Endometriosis with a brown-pigmented lesion on the fimbrial area. Histology confirmed a hydrosalpinx on the left side. The histological examination of the right fallopian tube showed tattoo ink with associated foreign body reaction.

Therapie und Verlauf After the bilateral salpingectomy no intra- or postoperative complications occurred so the patient was discharged from the hospital after two days. In vitro fertilization is meanwhile initiated.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 October 2022