Acrocyanosis (not benign)

Acrocyanosis refers to a bluish or cyanotic discoloration of the skin of the hands and sometimes the feet. It is often a benign condition that does not require medical intervention, but when it is not benign, it could indicate a serious medical problem and may shed important information when rendering a differential diagnosis.

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Acrocyanosis may be seen in patients with connective tissue diseases, thromboangiitis obliterans, and diseases associated with central cyanosis. It can also arise chronically from a neurohormonal disorder of the cardiovascular system or acutely due to shock. Acrocyanosis can also be a sign of a sinister but slow-growing disease such as cardiac failure. It is also seen in cold agglutinin autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

See also

• Acrocyanosis (benign) - describes the more common benign condition