Central Cyanosis
April 17th, 2019
Overview
Central cyanosis refers to a blue discolouration of the perioral skin and oral mucous membranes. If present, this is suggestive of elevated levels of deoxygenated haemoglobin (hypoxaemia).
Causes of Central Cyanosis
- High altitude
- Obstructive lung disease, pulmonary oedema, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism
- Congenital heart disease
- Methaemoglobinaemia / sulfhaemoglobinaemia / carboxyhaemoglobinaemia
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------