Gangrene classification

Gangrene Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Gangrene from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Gangrene classification On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Gangrene classification All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Gangrene classification
CDC on Gangrene classification
Gangrene classification in the news
Blogs on Gangrene classification
Directions to Hospitals Treating Gangrene
Risk calculators and risk factors for Gangrene classification

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.

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.

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.
	Wet Gangrene		Diabetic with severe infection and loss of toes - wet gangrene in center. (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.
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.