Blue Toe Syndrome: A Peripheral Manifestation of Systemic Diseases

Abstract

Blue (purple) toe syndrome presents as a bluish
discoloration of the toe due to occlusion of the small
digital arteries by fibrino-platelet micro-emboli
originating from a proximal atheromatous source
cardiac, aortic, femoral or popliteal aneurysm. The
peripheral pedal pulses are palpable excluding
peripheral vascular disease. Embolization can occur
spontaneously [2] or, following anticoagulant
therapy rarely. When it occurs in patients with a
recent history of an invasive vascular procedure or
anticoagulant therapy, it is most likely due to
cholesterol embolism. This article reports a case of
Blue toe syndrome in this environment, reviews the
aetiology and describes the clinical features.