title: Blue toe syndrome. Causes and management.
abstract: The sudden development of cyanotic lesions on the feet may be a result of atheroembolic disease or a number of medical conditions. A careful history and physical examination, basic laboratory tests, and noninvasive vascular assessment usually distinguish between medical and surgical causes and direct the choice of further investigations. Specific therapy is often available for medical conditions causing this syndrome. The management of atheroembolic disease is more controversial. In particular, further research is necessary to determine which patients need surgical intervention and which patients can be managed safely by medical therapy.
authors.affiliation: Section of Vascular Medicine and Hypertension, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, MA 01805.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: O'Keeffe
authors.forename: B O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Woods
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Breslin
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Tsapatsaris
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000150:complications; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004617:Embolism / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications; D013577:Syndrome; D014034:Toes / Q000098:blood supply*; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000150:complications; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D014859:Warfarin