Gangrene classification

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Edzel Lorraine Co, D.M.D., M.D.

Overview

There are three main types of gangrene which include wet, dry, and gas gangrene. Sometimes, gangrene is also classified according to its site. ^[1]

Classification

There are three main types of gangrene which include wet, dry, and gas gangrene. Sometimes, gangrene is also classified according to its site. Table 1 summarizes the classification of gangrene.^[1]

**Table 1. Classification of Gangrene.**
Classification	Example	Description	Images

Based on Type	Dry Gangrene	Dry gangrene refers to a dehydrated necrotic tissue brought about by worsening ischemia distal to the occlusion of arteries. This is usually a worsening condition of peripheral artery disease.^[2]	Dry gangrene on the right foot of a patient with peripheral artery disease. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
	Wet Gangrene		Wet gangrene seen on a patient with diabetes and is suffering with severe infection and loss of toes (Image courtesy of Charlie Goldberg, M.D., UCSD School of Medicine and VA Medical Center, San Diego, CA)
	Gas Gangrene	Gas gangrene is a bacterial infection that produces gas within tissues. It is a deadly form of gangrene usually caused by Clostridium perfringens bacteria. Infection spreads rapidly as the gases produced by bacteria expand and infiltrate healthy tissue in the vicinity. Because of its ability to quickly spread to surrounding tissues, gas gangrene should be treated as a medical emergency. Gas gangrene can cause necrosis, gas production, and sepsis. Progression to toxemia and shock is often very rapid.	Gas gangrene on the right leg and pelvis of a patient with palpable crepitus, swelling, bullae, and discoloration. (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
Based on Site	Gangrene of the skull
	Gangrene of the face	Noma is the term used to refer to the gangrene of the face.
	Gangrene of the jaw
	Gangrene of the extremities
	Gangrene of the ribs
	Gangrene of the skin	Necrotizing fasciitis affects the deeper layers of the skin.
	Gangrene of the genitals	Fournier gangrene usually affects the male genitals.