Definition
Gangrene is the death of tissue in part of the body.
Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the location and cause of the gangrene. If the affected area involves the skin or is close to the skin, the symptoms may include:
- Discoloration (blue or black if skin is affected; red or bronze if the affected area is beneath the skin)
- Loss of sensation (which may occur after severe pain in the area)
- Foul-smelling discharge
If the affected area is internal (such as ...
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Definition
Gangrene is the death of tissue in part of the body.
Symptoms
The symptoms depend on the location and cause of the gangrene. If the affected area involves the skin or is close to the skin, the symptoms may include:
- Discoloration (blue or black if skin is affected; red or bronze if the affected area is beneath the skin)
- Loss of sensation (which may occur after severe pain in the area)
- Foul-smelling discharge
If the affected area is internal (such as gangrene of the gallbladder or gas gangrene ), the symptoms may include:
- Persistent or severe pain
- Fever
- Gas in tissues beneath the skin
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Causes
Gangrene can occur when a body part loses its blood supply. This may happen from, for example, injury or infection. You have a higher risk for gangrene if you have:
- Diabetes
- Blood vessel disease (such as arteriosclerosis in your arms or legs)
- A serious injury
- Surgery
- Immunosuppression (for example, from HIV or chemotherapy)
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Treatment
Gangrene requires urgent evaluation and treatment. In general, dead tissue should be removed to allow healing and prevent further infection. Depending on the area affected, the condition of the patient, and the cause of the gangrene, treatment may include:
- An emergency operation to explore or remove dead tissue
- Amputating the affected body part
- Repeated operations to remove dead tissue (debridement)
- An operation to improve blood supply to the area
- Antibiotics
- Treatment in the intensive care unit (for severely ill patients)
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Possible Complications
Complications depend on the body part affected, the extent of gangrene, its cause, and the condition of the patient. Complications may include:
- Disability from amputation or removal of dead tissue
- Prolonged wound healing or the need for reconstructive surgery, such as skin grafting
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Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook depends on the body part affected, the extent of gangrene, its cause, and the condition of the patient. The patient may die if treatment is delayed, the affected area is extensive, or the patient has other significant medical conditions.
Prevention
Gangrene may be prevented if a harmful process is treated before the tissue damage is irreversible. Wounds should be treated properly and observed for signs of infection (such as spreading redness, swelling, or drainage) or failure to heal. Patients with diabetes or blood vessel disease should routinely examine their feet for any signs of injury, infection, or change in skin color and seek care as needed.
Exams and Tests
The doctor may diagnose gangrene from a physical examination. In addition, the following tests and procedures may be performed to diagnose gangrene:
- Blood tests -- a CBC may show a high white blood cell (WBC) count
- X-rays
- CT scan for internal conditions, such as abdominal pain
- Surgical exploration to confirm (and treat) gangrene
- Microscopic examination of tissue to look for cell death
- Tissue or fluid culture from wounds to identify bacterial infection
- An arteriogram to help plan treatment for vascular disease
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