CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
Central cyanosis is a condition characterised by a bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes, resulting from inadequate oxygenation of arterial blood. Unlike peripheral cyanosis, which primarily affects the extremities, central cyanosis is observed in central areas of the body, such as the lips, tongue, and oral mucosa. This type of cyanosis indicates significant hypoxaemia and can be a sign of serious conditions affecting gas exchange in the lungs or blood circulation.
Pathology | Suspected Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|
Right-to-left cardiac shunt | Persistent cyanosis, dyspnoea, cardiac murmur. | Echocardiogram, cardiac catheterisation. |
Right-to-left pulmonary shunt | Refractory hypoxaemia, dyspnoea, cyanosis. | Pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray, pulmonary CT scan. |
Haemoglobin abnormalities (e.g., methaemoglobinaemia, sulphaemoglobinaemia) | Cyanosis with normal PaO2 levels, history of exposure to certain drugs or chemicals. | Blood levels of methaemoglobin and sulphaemoglobin, specific blood tests. |
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