Gangrene (patient information): Difference between revisions
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* The type of test needed is based on the type of [[gangrene]] the patient has. | * The type of test needed is based on the type of [[gangrene]] the patient has. | ||
* [[Diagnostic tests]] that are usually done include: | * [[Diagnostic tests]] that are usually done include: | ||
**[[Imaging tests such as [[computed tomography scan]] ([[CT scan]]), and [[magnetic resonance imaging]] ([[MRI}}) to look for [[signs]] of [[gas]] inside the [[body]]. | **[[Imaging tests]] such as [[computed tomography scan]] ([[CT scan]]), and [[magnetic resonance imaging]] ([[MRI}}) to look for [[signs]] of [[gas]] inside the [[body]]. | ||
**[[Blood tests]] to look for [[signs]] of [[infection]]. | **[[Blood tests]] to look for [[signs]] of [[infection]]. | ||
**[[Blood flow tests]] to detect the source of problems in the [[blood vessels]] and identify its [[severity]]. | **[[Blood flow tests]] to detect the source of problems in the [[blood vessels]] and identify its [[severity]]. | ||
Revision as of 10:21, 28 March 2022
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Gangrene |
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Gangrene On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Shivali Marketkar, M.B.B.S. [2]; Edzel Lorraine Co, D.M.D., M.D.
Overview
- Gangrene is the death of tissue in part of the body due to lack of blood supply.
- It is an alarming and life-threatening condition.
- There are various types of gangrene.
- Dry gangrene - The tissue gets dry and falls off. This is commonly observed on the fingers and toes.
- Wet gangrene - The tissue looks swollen and with some blisters.
- Gas gangrene - The tissue gets infected with bacteria causing build-up of gas bubbles within it.
What are the symptoms of Gangrene?
- Symptoms differ according to the type of gangrene present.
- Dry Gangrene symptoms include:
- Dry and hard skin and tissue.
- Color changes in the skin, which can look either very dark or very pale.
- Colder temperature of the skin.
- Wet Gangrene symptoms include:
- Gas Gangrene symptoms include:
- Dry Gangrene symptoms include:
What causes Gangrene?
Diagnosis
- The type of test needed is based on the type of gangrene the patient has.
- Diagnostic tests that are usually done include:
- Imaging tests such as computed tomography scan (CT scan), and magnetic resonance imaging ([[MRI}}) to look for signs of gas inside the body.
- Blood tests to look for signs of infection.
- Blood flow tests to detect the source of problems in the blood vessels and identify its severity.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
- Cutting away of dying or dead tissues to prevent spreading of gangrene.
- Amputation - A type of surgery wherein removal of the body parts affected with gangrene is done.
- Intravenous antibiotic medications
Where to find medical care for Gangrene?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Gangrene