A form of silver poisoning in which the skin becomes dark bluish-gray due to the accumulation of the metal in the tissues. The mucous membranes and internal organs are also affected. Argyria is now rare, due to the decline in the use of silver compounds in medicine and industry (except the photographic industry).
Argyria, or argyriosis, means the effect produced by taking silver salts over a long period, and consists of a deep duskiness of the skin, especially of the exposed parts.
A group of drugs that stop the action of the enzyme, aromatase. This enzyme converts androgens to oestrogens. If this conversion is inhibited, the concentrations of oestrogens in the body are reduced — so these drugs operate against tumours, such as breast cancer, that depend on oestrogen for their growth. Aromatase inhibitors include anastrazole and formestane, and they are usually prescribed as second-line treatment after tamoxifen, the prime drug treatment for breast cancer.
Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes as a result of prolonged administration of silver.