Argyria resulting from chronic use of colloidal silver in a patient presenting for colonoscopy

An elderly male with a history of argyria caused by chronic ingestion of colloidal silver presented for elective colonoscopy. The patient’s skin was a profound blue-gray color that caused concern among staff until his condition was identified through his medical and medication history. Colonoscopy and anesthesia proceeded without incident. The anesthetic management concerns include differentiating argyria from hypoxemia and other pathologies with similar appearance and clearly communicating the patient’s history of argyria to follow-on caregivers to prevent unneeded diagnostic or interventional procedures. It is also important for caregivers to understand that the altered skin pigmentation of argyria does not interfere with pulse oximetry.