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Cyanosis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ICD-10 | R23.0 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 782.5 |
Cyanosis refers to the bluish coloration of the skin due to the presence of deoxygenated hemoglobin in blood vessels near the skin surface.
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It can occur in the fingers, including underneath the fingernails, as well as other extremities (called peripheral cyanosis), or in the lips and face (central cyanosis).
Central cyanosis suggests a circulatory or ventilatory problem that leads to poorer blood oxygenation in the lungs or greater oxygen extraction due to slowing down of blood circulation in the skin's blood vessels.
Acute cyanosis can be a result of asphyxiation or choking, and is one of the surest signs that respiration is being blocked.
The elementary principle behind cyanosis is that deoxygenated hemoglobin produces the bluish discoloration, and also produces vasoconstriction that makes it more evident. Thus oxygen deficiency - hypoxia - leads to blue discoloration of the lips and other mucus membranes.
Peripheral cyanosis occurs when fingers or extremities display a blue tint due to inadequate circulation. The blood reaching the extremities is not oxygen rich and thus adapts a blue color. All factors contributing to central cyanosis can also cause peripheral symptoms to appear, however peripheral cyanosis can be observed without there being heart or lung failures. Small blood vessels may be restricted and can be treated by increasing the normal oxydation levels of the blood.