What is cyanosis?
Cyanosis is a bluish color in the skin, lips, and nail beds caused by a shortage of oxygen in the blood. Cyanosis occurs because blood with low levels of oxygen turns blue or purple. This low-oxygen blood causes a blue-purple tint to the skin.
What are the symptoms of cyanosis?
The most common symptom of cyanosis is blue skin, especially where the skin is thin, such as the mouth, lips, fingernails, and earlobes.
What conditions cause cyanosis?
Cyanosis is usually caused by problems of the heart, lungs, or blood. Some of the heart conditions that can cause a child to have cyanosis are:
- truncus arteriosus
- total anomalous pulmonary venous return
- transposition of the great arteries
- tricuspid atresia
- pulmonary atresia
- atrioventricular canal defect
- pulmonary hypertension
- hypoplastic left heart syndrome
How is cyanosis treated?
Treatment for cyanosis involves treating the underlying disease. Once this is resolved, the skin should return to its proper color.
How we care for cyanosis
At the Boston Children’s HospitalBenderson Family Heart Center, we have one of the world’s largestteamsof highly trained pediatric cardiologists and pediatric cardiac surgeons, including special expertise across dozens ofprograms and services.
Our team treats afull spectrum of cardiac disorders, including the rarest and most complex congenital heart defects.
Cyanosis |Programs & Services
Centers
Benderson Family Heart Center
Center
We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient — as well as providing long-term support for every family. Learn more.
Programs
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Program
Program
Boston Children's Hospital - Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Program
Adult Congenital Heart Program
Program
Boston Children's Hospital - Adult Congenital Heart Program
Cardiology Outpatient Services
Program
Boston Children's Hospital - Cardiology Outpatient Services
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Program
Program
Boston Children's Hospital - Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Program