Argyria in the Silver State
Effects of Internet Quackery
Laura E. Cohen, MD, Richard Spurlock, BSBA, Anthony Salem, MD, and Eduardo Mercado, PAC-MPAS
Dr. Cohen is the chief of the dermatology section at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS), Las Vegas, NV. Mr. Spurlock is a fourth year medical student at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL. At the time of this writing, Dr. Salem was the chief of staff and Mr. Mercado was a physician assistant in the dermatology section, both as the VASNHS. Currently, Dr. Salem is the chief of hospital at Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital, Nellis Air Force Base, NV, and Mr. Mercado is a physician assistant in private practice in New Port Richey, FL.
Within a two-week period, two patients presented to this Nevada VA medical center with what has been considered a rare disorder. Is this the start of a dangerous trend?