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Back to Cardiovascular Diseases
Acrocyanosis
Updated: September 19, 2006
Causes and risk factors
The etiology of Acrocyanosis is unknown but may be
related to increased tone and spasm of the arterioles associated with
dilation of capillaries and venules. The disorder usually occurs in
women and is not associated with occlusive arterial disease. It is often
secondary to a variety of underlying causes. Cold and emotional stress,
e.g., anxiety, aggravates it.
Pathophysiology
The exact pathophysiologic abnormality is not clear but may be
vasospasm in the cutaneous arteries and arterioles with compensatory
dilatation in the postcapillary venules. The primary form is a benign
cosmetic problem, but it may also be seen in patients with connective
tissue diseases, thromboangiitis obliterans, and diseases associated
with central cyanosis.
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