Cyanosis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Cyanosis
Cyanosis of the lips and fingers
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
Complications	Hypoxia, Respiratory failure
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Variable, depending on underlying cause
Types	N/A
Causes	Hypoxemia, Heart failure, Lung disease, Cold exposure
Risks	Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Congenital heart disease
Diagnosis	Physical examination, Arterial blood gas
Differential diagnosis	Methemoglobinemia, Sulfhemoglobinemia, Peripheral cyanosis
Prevention	Managing underlying conditions, avoiding cold exposure
Treatment	Addressing the underlying cause, Oxygen therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on the underlying cause
Frequency	Common in certain conditions
Deaths	N/A

Cyanosis is a medical condition characterized by a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. This change in color occurs due to an excess of deoxygenated hemoglobin in the blood, a condition known as hypoxemia, which results in lower than normal oxygen levels in the arterial blood.

Cyanosis-adult fingertips

Classification

Cyanosis can be classified into two main categories: central and peripheral. Central cyanosis is usually a sign of systemic hypoxemia and is observed in the lips, tongue, and mucous membranes. Peripheral cyanosis, on the other hand, is primarily a result of local factors that lead to vasoconstriction or stagnation of blood flow, and it is typically seen in the extremities, including the fingers and toes.

Causes

Cyanosis can result from a variety of conditions, most of which relate to problems with the respiratory or cardiovascular system. Common causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary embolism. Certain congenital heart diseases can also lead to cyanosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cyanosis begins with a thorough clinical examination, followed by diagnostic tests such as pulse oximetry to measure oxygen saturation in the blood, arterial blood gas analysis, and imaging studies like chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans if a pulmonary condition is suspected.

Treatment

The treatment of cyanosis primarily involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include providing supplemental oxygen, medications to improve heart or lung function, or surgery in cases of anatomical defects.

Prognosis

The prognosis for cyanosis depends on the severity of the underlying cause. If managed properly, cyanosis itself does not generally lead to serious complications, but untreated hypoxemia can result in life-threatening situations.

Cyanosis gallery

• 
  Cynosis Illustration
• 
  Cyanotic neonate
• 
  Child with measles modified by cyanosis
• 
  Peripheral Cyanosis due to Ischemia
• 
  Blausen 0707 Patent Ductus Arteriosus
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  Local hypxia
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  Congenital Heart Case 133
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  Cyanoza

See Also

• Hypoxia
• Respiratory system
• Cardiovascular system

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