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Egusa H, Ko N et al. J Prosthet Dent 2008; 100: 344–347

This case report describes a patient who reported a '2-year history of inflammatory skin lesions on her face' following the placement of two titanium implants. As patch-testing can result in false positive results, the allergy was confirmed by lymphocyte transformation test (LTT). As a specific LTT was found for both titanium chloride and some other metal salts, the implants were surgically removed. After a brief exacerbation of the inflammation, the condition completely resolved. It was 'purported by the manufacturer (that the implants were) made of ASTM grade I high-purity titanium (99.64%)'. Although the authors state that this allergy is a very rare occurrence, they cite clinical reports that suggest titanium, in other prosthetic devices, is associated with contact dermatitis and other generalized health problems.