CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
Peripheral cyanosis is a condition in which the skin and mucous membranes acquire a bluish colour due to decreased oxygenation of the blood in the extremities. This condition occurs when there is an insufficient amount of oxygen in the blood reaching the peripheral tissues, which can be caused by various factors, including circulatory and cardiac issues. Peripheral cyanosis can be a sign of serious diseases and requires appropriate medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.
Pathology | Suspected Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
Raynaud’s phenomenon | Episodes of bluish discolouration and pallor in the fingers, triggered by cold or stress. | Clinical history, physical examination, cold provocation tests. |
Arterial obstruction | Severe pain, pallor, coldness, and cyanosis in a limb, absence of distal pulse. | Arterial Doppler ultrasound, angiography, physical examination. |
Haemorrhage | Rapid decrease in blood volume, pallor, tachycardia, hypotension. | Complete blood count, coagulation tests, clinical history. |
Low cardiac output | Fatigue, dyspnoea, oedema, peripheral cyanosis, hypotension. | Echocardiogram, blood tests (BNP, troponins), chest X-ray. |
Sepsis | Fever, hypotension, tachycardia, confusion, peripheral cyanosis due to poor perfusion. | Blood cultures, blood tests (inflammatory markers), arterial blood gas analysis. |
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