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Gangrene is a type of tissue death caused by a lack of blood supply. [4] Symptoms may include a change in skin color to red or black, numbness, swelling, pain, skin breakdown, and coolness. [1] The feet and hands are most commonly affected. [1] If the gangrene is caused by an infectious agent, it may present with a fever or sepsis. [1]
Gas gangrene (also known as clostridial myonecrosis [1]) is a bacterial infection that produces tissue gas in gangrene. This deadly form of gangrene usually is caused by Clostridium perfringens bacteria. About 1,000 cases of gas gangrene are reported yearly in the United States. [2] Myonecrosis is a condition of necrotic damage, specific to ...
Fournier gangrene is usually diagnosed clinically, but laboratory tests and imaging studies are used to confirm diagnosis, determine severity, and predict outcomes. [2] X-rays and ultrasounds may show the presence of gas below the surface of the skin. [2] A CT scan can be useful in determining the site of origin and extent of spread. [2]
Gas gangrene caused by Clostridium perfringens is characterized by severe symptoms, including intense pain at the injury site, fever, rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety. The affected area may show signs of swelling, discoloration (ranging from pale to dark red or purplish), and large, discolored blisters filled with foul-smelling fluid.
Bowel infarction or gangrenous bowel represents an irreversible injury to the intestine resulting from insufficient blood flow. It is considered a medical emergency because it can quickly result in life-threatening infection and death. [1]
In certain cases, vacuum-sealing drainage (VSD) may help the wound heal, especially in Fournier gangrene. For necrotizing infection of the perineal area (Fournier's gangrene), wound debridement and wound care in this area can be difficult because of the excretory products that often render this area dirty and affect the wound-healing process.
Without immediate intervention, ischemia may progress quickly to tissue necrosis and gangrene within a few hours. Paralysis is a very late sign of acute arterial ischemia and signals the death of nerves supplying the extremity. Foot drop may occur as a result of nerve damage.
Those with severe ischemia who develop complications such as sepsis, intestinal gangrene, or bowel perforation may require more aggressive interventions, such as surgery and intensive care. Most patients make a full recovery; occasionally, after severe ischemia, patients may develop long-term complications such as a stricture [49] or chronic ...