Black pigmentation of atherosclerotic plaques associated with chronic minocycline therapy

Minocycline is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent used chronically in many clinical settings. Pigmentation is a well-recognized side effect of minocycline therapy. It has been reported in numerous sites, especially the skin, bones, and thyroid gland. We report an unusual case of pigmentation of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta and arteries of the leg in a patient on chronic minocycline therapy.