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.