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Abstract
A 77-year-old man who was undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation for a right subcapital
femoral neck fracture presented with intermittent digital cyanosis of 3 days duration.
He had no other cardiopulmonary signs or symptoms, therefore a diagnosis of Raynaud's
Phenomenon was considered but ruled out because of no prior history of similar episodes
or associated conditions. A ventilation-perfusion (![Math Eq]()
) scan was obtained and was highly indicative of pulmonary embolus. Dopplers and impedance
plethysmography (IPG) revealed a left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Heparinization
resulted in cessation of the cyanotic episodes. Intermittent digital cyanosis as the
sole presentation of pulmonary embolus has not been previously reported in humans.
Pulmonary embolus is notoriously difficult to diagnose based on clinical signs and
symptoms. Intermittent peripheral cyanosis should raise the index of suspicion for
the possibility of pulmonary embolus.
) scan was obtained and was highly indicative of pulmonary embolus. Dopplers and impedance
plethysmography (IPG) revealed a left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Heparinization
resulted in cessation of the cyanotic episodes. Intermittent digital cyanosis as the
sole presentation of pulmonary embolus has not been previously reported in humans.
Pulmonary embolus is notoriously difficult to diagnose based on clinical signs and
symptoms. Intermittent peripheral cyanosis should raise the index of suspicion for
the possibility of pulmonary embolus.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
December 8,
1993
Received:
August 4,
1993
Identification
Copyright
© 1994 Published by Elsevier Inc.
