Gangrene overview
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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
Gangrene is a medical condition that involves necrosis and ischemia of a body tissue, mostly occurring in the digits or extremities. It usually appears as a black discoloration and sloughing of tissues. There are three main types of gangrene, namely wet gangrene, dry gangrene, and gas gangrene.
Historical Perspective
Gangrene originated from a Greek word that meant mortification of a human body part. It was first used as a noun in the British Isles during the 16th century. Surgeons most often used it to refer to the cure of external human conditions.
Classification
There are three main types of gangrene which include wet, dry, and gas gangrene. Sometimes it can be classified according to its site.
Pathophysiology
The three main types of gangrene occur in different mechanisms. Dry gangrene involves a reduction in the perfusion of the arteries results in the compensatory dilation of the arterioles, which eventually results in distal edema, and damage of the endothelial tissue. In wet gangrene, saprogenic microorganisms (Bacillus fusiformis, or Clostridium perfringens) infect the tissues, thereby causing an emission of a foul odor and edema. Multiplication of exotoxins from Clostridium perfringens and group A steptococcus is responsible for the local tissue destruction and systemic infection in gas gangrene.
Causes
According to Hippocratic physicians, gangrene is brought about by three reasons. These include wound constriction that is followed by hemorrhage, body part compression, and necrosis due to bandages.
Differentiating Gangrene from other Diseases
Gangrene can have several mimicking conditions despite the unique presence of necrotic tissue.