Differential Diagnosis for Central Cyanosis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cyanotic congenital heart disease or lung disease: Central cyanosis is often caused by conditions that affect the heart or lungs, leading to inadequate oxygenation of blood. Cyanotic congenital heart disease, such as tetralogy of Fallot, and lung diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are common causes of central cyanosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cyanotic congenital heart disease: This includes a range of heart defects present at birth that can lead to cyanosis, such as transposition of the great arteries or tricuspid atresia.
- Lung disease: Conditions like pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can cause central cyanosis by impairing gas exchange in the lungs.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary embolism: Although not the most common cause, pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can lead to central cyanosis due to sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery, severely impairing oxygenation of blood.
- Cardiac tamponade: This is a condition where fluid accumulates in the sac around the heart, compressing it and impeding its ability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to inadequate oxygenation and cyanosis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Methemoglobinemia: A condition characterized by an abnormal amount of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin, in the blood. Methemoglobin cannot effectively release oxygen to tissues, leading to cyanosis.
- Polycythemia vera: A rare blood disorder where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, which can increase blood viscosity and lead to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, potentially causing cyanosis.