Cyanosis (plural: cyanoses) is a physical sign represented by bluish discolouration of the skin. It indicates there is reduced oxygen bound to red blood cells in the bloodstream. Diagnosis of the underlying cause of cyanosis is based on a thorough history and physical examination.
Pathology
Etiology
Cyanosis has a long list of potential causes, common examples include:
- pulmonary
- pneumonia
- pleural effusion
- pulmonary embolism
- intrapulmonary shunt
- right to left shunt of congenital heart disease
- hypothermia
- high altitude
- chemical hemoglobinopathies
Differential diagnosis
-
pseudocyanosis
- argyria: silver toxicity, may cause a bluish discolouration of the skin
- gold toxicity
- amiodarone toxicity
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