cyanosis (peripheral)

Last reviewed 01/2018

This is due to poor peripheral circulation.

Possible causes:

  • all causes of central cyanosis cause peripheral cyanosis
  • low cardiac output e.g. heart failure
  • vasoconstriction e.g. due to low ambient temperature, Raynaud's phenomenon
  • arterial obstruction e.g. atheroma
  • venous obstruction