Gangrene Overview and Types

Gangrene

• Definition: Massive tissue death followed by decomposition.
• Causes:
  • Ischemia: Lack of blood flow, often in limbs or intestines.
  • Severe Inflammation: Caused by highly contagious bacteria (infective gangrene).
• Putrefaction: Caused by bacteria that break down proteins, resulting in a foul odor due to hydrogen sulfide production. This gas reacts with hemoglobin's iron, creating iron sulfide, giving the tissue a black color.

Types of Gangrene

• Dry Gangrene:
  • Common in elderly individuals due to poor blood flow from atherosclerosis.
  • Typically affects toes and feet, spreading slowly upwards.
  • Affected area becomes dry, shrunken, black, and mummified.
  • A red line of demarcation appears between the gangrene and healthy tissue. This is an inflammatory zone caused by the necrotic tissue irritating healthy tissue.
  • Later, a line of separation (groove) forms as granulation tissue and fibrosis heal, eventually leading to separation of the dead tissue, leaving a conical stump. This shape occurs because deeper tissues have better blood supply than superficial ones.
  • Minimal bacterial growth due to dryness.

Explore the definition, causes, and various types of gangrene including dry gangrene. This quiz will delve into the underlying mechanisms and symptoms associated with different gangrene forms. Test your knowledge on ischemia, inflammation, and putrefaction.