1/2. Acute silver poisoning through inhalation.The paper presented a case of acute occupational poisoning with silver vapours. The course of the ailment was very serious. The clinical picture corresponded to the syndrome of the "shock lung"--with extreme respiratory insufficiency. The treatment included administration of steroids, heparin, antibiotics and controlled respiration with a positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP). The patient was completely cured and fully regained physical fitness. Our observation seems to shake the hitherto predominant view of non-toxicity of metallic silver or its vapours.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Systemic argyria secondary to topical silver nitrate.A case of generalized argyria secondary to topical silver nitrate use on the oral mucosa is described, and the nature and history of argyria reviewed. The patient has extreme pigmentation of her skin and abdominal viscera, as seen on physical examination, gastroduodenoscopy, and laparotomy. Her use of silver nitrate applicators was uncontrolled by her dentist and pharmacist, and the diagnosis of argyria was not made until 2 1/2 years of heavy usage had passed. Avoidance of similar cases requires the careful scrutiny of silver-containing medicinal usage by all health practitioners and pharmacists. Although the systemic distribution of silver in both elemental and ionic forms can be linked with no systemic toxicity, the resultant pigmentation can be devastating to the patient.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |