Gangrene (death of body tissue)

Description The death of tissue...

Description

The death of tissue in any part of the body, which is usually caused by decreased blood flow to the affected area. The disorder is sometimes associated with an infection. Patients with poor circulation, such as diabetics and those with atherosclerosis, are more likely to have gangrene. Any part of the body can be affected but the most common areas involve the legs and feet, arms. ears and nose.

Symptoms

Skin symptoms include discoloration (blue, red, bronze or black), foul smelling discharge, loss of sensation, numbness, pain, swelling, and air underneath the skin. Other symptoms include: confusion, low blood pressure, and fever. Many other symptoms can occur if the infection causing gangrene affects an internal organ.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Tests to detect an infection and any blocked blood vessels will be performed.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: CT angiogram, MR angiogram, arteriogram, tissue biopsy, wound cultures, blood cultures, urine cultures

Specialists:
General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

Gangrene is very serious and requires immediate therapy. The treatment depends on the extent of the disease, the body part affected and the cause of the gangrene. If an infection is present intravenous antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and surgical removal of dead tissue (debridement), are required. In severe cases, a limb may need to be amputated, or an internal organ may need to be removed. If there is a blocked artery the patient needs an angioplasty or surgical opening of the blood vessel.