Gangrene Flashcards
what is gangrene
complication of necrosis as body tissues decay
what are the two types of gangrene
wet gangrene; infectious gangrene
dry gangrene; Ischaemia gangrene
causes of gangrene
Ischaemia, infection or trauma or combination of them
insufficient blood supply is the most common cause of gangrene
risk factors
smoking, diabetes, atherosclerosis, renal disease, drugs/alcohol abuse, malignancy, trauma, infections, prolonged use of tourniquet cutting blood supply
presenting symptoms and signs on physical examination
pain, oedema, swelling, skin discolouration, diminished pedal pulses and ABI (ankle brachial index)
when will there be diminished pedal pulses and ankle-brachial index
in the case of ischaemic gangrene
some investigations for gangrene
FBC, coagulation panel, blood cultures, CRP, x-rays, MRI, CT and doppler ultrasonography
how to treat infectious gangrene
amputation, intensive supportive care and surgery
how to treat ischaemic gangrene
IV heparin, surgical revascularisation and amputation and thrombloytic therapy
prognosis
depends on severity
