Digital Cyanosis

12/13/00 (Mansour / Owens)

Group: Wednesday Interns

RE:  A 58 year old male with cough and swollen feet.

Question: What diseases can present with digital cyanosis?

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Unique Identifier: 94234851

Authors: Federman DG. Valdivia M. Kirsner RS.

Institution: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Fla.

Abstract: The abrupt development of cyanotic and painful toes, "the blue toe syndrome," has been attributed to a number of medical conditions. We describe a patient in which the workup for this condition failed to elucidate a typical cause. Skin biopsy, serologic findings, and response to treatment led to the diagnosis of secondary syphilis. Our experience indicates that secondary syphilis should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with the blue toe syndrome.

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Unique Identifier: 93074223

Authors: O'Keeffe ST. Woods BO. Breslin DJ. Tsapatsaris NP.

Institution: Section of Vascular Medicine and Hypertension, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, MA 01805.

Abstract: The sudden development of cyanotic lesions on the feet may be a result of atheroembolic disease or a number of medical conditions. A careful history and physical examination, basic laboratory tests, and noninvasive vascular assessment usually distinguish between medical and surgical causes and direct the choice of further investigations. Specific therapy is often available for medical conditions causing this syndrome. The management of atheroembolic disease is more controversial. In particular, further research is necessary to determine which patients need surgical intervention and which patients can be managed safely by medical therapy. [References: 84]

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Unique Identifier: 76176292

Authors: Landey CT.