Blue Toe Syndrome Pictures
What is blue toe syndrome?
It is a condition caused by a blockage of the small blood vessels in the foot, which alters the flow of oxygen and blood to the tissues causing the toes to turn blue.
Blue toe syndrome is also known as Trash foot. Blue toe syndrome develops abruptly causing extreme pain. It can affect a toe or a number of toes. Lacks of oxygen causes the toe to turn blue. If the condition is left untreated, it could lead to ulceration. The tissues will eventually die and gangrene sets in.
It will even come to a point when the toe needs to be amputated. (1, 2, and 3)
Picture 1: An advanced stage of blue toe syndrome with gangrene formation.
image source: footwiki.com
Picture 2: A bluish discoloration and impending necrosis of the toes.
photo source:highered.mheducation.com
Picture 3: An image showing the typical clinical manifestations of blue toe syndrome.
image source: www.paincare.org
Blue toe syndrome symptoms
- Intense pain in the foot, which could radiate up to the legs.
- Bluish skin discoloration
- The peripheral foot pulses are palpable. (4)
Blue toe syndrome causes
It is caused by a blockage in the small blood vessels of the foot leading to a reduced blood flow. The blockage is usually caused by a plaque formed in the blood vessels. (3, 4)
picture 4: An image showing the formation of plaque which is the primary cause of blue toe syndrome.
photo source: www.foot-pain-explored.com
Blue toe syndrome diagnosis
Blue toe syndrome is difficult to diagnose because of the presence of a pulse in the foot. Usually, a blockage in the blood vessel leads to a loss of foot pulses. To accurately diagnose the condition, a vascular testing is done.
A diagnosis of blue toe syndrome is possible in patients with a history of a cardiac-related disease, livedo reticularis, vasospastic disorders, and Raynaud’s disease. When deemed necessary, the doctor will order additional tests such as ultrasound and CT angiogram. (5, 6, and 7)
Blue toe syndrome treatment options
picture 5: A stent is inserted in the affected part of the body so as to improve the flow of blood.
image source: www.foot-pain-explored.com
picture 6: An aortic stent placement to improve the condition of the patient with blue toe syndrome.
photo source: ultrasoundregistryreview.com
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Stenting
A mesh tube is inserted into the blood vessel, hold it open, and prevent the restriction of blood flow. Stenting is one of the common treatment options for blue toe syndrome.
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Bypass surgery
It is a special procedure used to improve the flow of blood. The blood flow is diverted around primary arteries that are partially blocked. A healthy blood vessel from other parts of the body is attached below and above the affected area so as to divert the flow of blood around the blockage. (6, 7)
What is the possible complication?
Picture 7: A toe amputation due to gangrene formation secondary to blue toe syndrome.
image source: img.medscapestatic.com
A blue toe syndrome should be addressed the soonest time possible. If you left it untreated, there is a possibility that gangrene will set in. it is a serious condition in which the affected tissues die because of lack of blood supply.
In an attempt to save the affected area from being amputated, the doctor will perform debridement or surgical removal of the dead tissues. An antibiotic will be prescribed to treat the underlying infection. If the condition continues to get worst, the best remedy is amputation or removal of the affected body part. (2, 5, and 6)
References
- http://www.foot-pain-explored.com/blue-toe-syndrome.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_toe_syndrome
- https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-2/Blue-Toe-Syndrome-Title-Blue-Toe-Syndrome
- http://www.paincare.org/blue-toe-syndrome/
- http://www.angiologist.com/uniquely-vascular-medicine/blue-toe/
- http://heelhurt.com/blog/15-blue-toe-syndrome
- http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/radiology.173.3.2813788