Dry gangrene: Difference between revisions

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==Background==
==Background==
{Gangrene general info}}
{{Gangrene general info}}


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
[[File:Dry Gangrene.png|thumb]]
[[File:Dry Gangrene.png|thumb]]
* Usually due to peripheral arterial disease, but can also be caused by acute limb ischemia.
* 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.
* 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.


==Differential Diagnosis==
==Differential Diagnosis==
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==Evaluation==
==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.
* 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==
==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.
*Infection rarely present
* If acute limb ischemia is present, embolectomy or surgical bypass may be required to restore flow.
*Keep area clean and dry to prevent infection
*Will usually auto-amputate in <6mo
*Refer to vascular surgery in case fails to auto-amputate; may benefit from revascularization therapy to prevent further tissue death
*If [[acute limb ischemia]] is present, embolectomy or surgical bypass may be required to restore flow.


==Disposition==
==Disposition==
 
*Outpatient, if [[acute limb ischemia]] is NOT a concern


==See Also==
==See Also==
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==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Surgery]]

Revision as of 20:21, 17 September 2019

Background

Gangrene General Info

  • A form of tissue necrosis characterized by critically insufficient blood supply leading to tissue death.
  • Primarily divided into wet gangrene vs dry gangrene. Other, specific forms of gangrene include Fournier's gangrene, gas gangrene, and necrotizing fasciitis.
  • Most commonly occur in distal extremities, clasically the feet.
  • Main risk factors are diabetes, smoking, and peripheral arterial disease.

Clinical Features

Dry Gangrene.png
  • 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.

Differential Diagnosis

Foot infection

Look A-Likes

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
  • Keep area clean and dry to prevent infection
  • Will usually auto-amputate in <6mo
  • Refer to vascular surgery in case fails to auto-amputate; may benefit from revascularization therapy to prevent further tissue death
  • If acute limb ischemia is present, embolectomy or surgical bypass may be required to restore flow.

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References