Acrocyanosis: The Flying Dutchman

Andrew K. Kurklinsky, Virginia M. Miller, Thom W. Rooke

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Acrocyanosis is symmetric, painless, discoloration of different shades of blue in the distal parts of the body that is marked by symmetry, relative persistence of the skin color changes with aggravation by cold exposure, and frequent association with local hyperhidrosis of hands and feet. Described over a century ago and despite seeming familiarity, it remains a poorly understood condition that shares much in clinical presentation with other conditions characterized by skin color changes in the distal parts of the body. The diagnosis remains mostly clinical, and pathological mechanisms vary suggesting that acrocyanosis may not be a single entity. We performed an extensive literature review to summarize existing knowledge about the demographics, pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)288-301
Number of pages14
JournalVascular Medicine
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2011

Keywords

  • acrocyanosis
  • arterial occlusive disease
  • arteries
  • blood flow velocity
  • capillaries
  • chilblains
  • cyanosis
  • ischemia
  • vascular diseases
  • vasospasm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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