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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 24, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management

Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management

Published on: January 19, 2024

Systemic argyria with severe anemia (hemoglobin 2.4 g/L).

Nathan Chow¹, Kristen Fain¹, Jay Truitt²

¹School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas.

Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)

|May 6, 2022

Summary

A woman developed iron-deficiency anemia and blue-gray skin discoloration (argyria) from consuming colloidal silver. This case emphasizes discussing nonprescription supplements with patients to identify rare disease causes.

Keywords:

Anemia argyria colloidal silver

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Area of Science:

Internal Medicine
Toxicology
Hematology

Background:

Argyria is a rare condition caused by chronic silver exposure, leading to silver granule deposition and characteristic skin discoloration.
It can mimic other conditions, necessitating careful diagnosis to differentiate from diseases like pseudocyanosis.
Silver accumulation can also lead to secondary health issues, such as anemia.

Observation:

A 68-year-old woman presented with severe anemia and generalized slate-gray skin discoloration.
She reported a 7-year history of daily oral colloidal silver consumption.
Hematologic tests revealed severe iron-deficiency anemia (hemoglobin 2.4 g/dL) with low ferritin.

Findings:

The patient's symptoms and history were consistent with argyria secondary to colloidal silver intake.
Iron-deficiency anemia was confirmed, with no evidence of copper deficiency or ceruloplasmin abnormalities.
The skin discoloration was attributed to silver deposition, a hallmark of argyria.

Implications:

This case underscores the critical importance of inquiring about and counseling patients regarding their use of nonprescription supplements.
Accurate diagnosis is vital, as argyria can present with symptoms mimicking other serious conditions.
Physicians should consider environmental and supplemental exposures when evaluating unexplained anemia and skin changes.