Gangrene: Difference between revisions

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(Replaced content with "*Dry gangrene *Wet gangrene")
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==Background==
*[[Dry gangrene]]
{{Gangrene background}}
*[[Wet gangrene]]
 
==Clinical Features==
 
 
==Differential Diagnosis==
 
 
==Evaluation==
 
 
==Management==
 
 
==Disposition==
 
 
==See Also==
 
 
==External Links==
 
 
==References==
<references/>
 
 
== Background ==
 
 
== Dry Gangrene ==
[[File:Dry Gangrene.png]]
=== Clinical Features ===
* Usually due to peripheral arterial disease, but can also be caused by acute limb ischemia.
* Presents with dry, shrunken tissue, usually ranging from dark red to completely black, often with a clear line of demarcation between healthy and necrotic tissue. Typically not painful.
=== Evaluation ===
* History and physical examination are usually sufficient to make the diagnosis. If acute limb ischemia is suspected, consider a CTA of the affected limb and a vascular surgery consultation.
=== Management ===
* Infection rarely present, so management involves keeping the area clean and dry to prevent infection. Will usually auto-amputate in <6 months. Should be referred to vascular surgery as auto-amputation may not occur, and they may benefit from revascularization therapies to prevent further tissue death.
* If acute limb ischemia is present, embolectomy or surgical bypass may be required to restore flow.
 
== Wet Gangrene ==
=== Clinical Features ===
* Usually due to peripheral arterial or venous disease, but can also be sequelae of trauma or burns causing vascular injuries.
* Presents with swollen, pale, soft tissue, often with a putrid smell and purulent discharge.
* As tissue is infected, wet gangrene presents a higher risk of systemic infection than dry gangrene.
=== Evaluation ===
* History and physical examination are usually sufficient to make the diagnosis.
* Given higher risk for systemic infection, patients should be evaluated for signs/symptoms of SIRS/sepsis, including a CBC, and possibly blood cultures and lactate if systemic infection is suspected.
=== Management ===
* Wet gangrene requires broad spectrum antibiotic coverage, as these are often polymycrobial infections.
* Requires surgical consultation as rapid debridement or amputation of necrotic tissue is required to prevent further spread of infection.

Revision as of 04:01, 30 October 2017