Gangrene is a condition where a loss of blood supply causes body tissue to die

Wet gangrene

Wet gangrene is infectious gangrene, and includes necrotising fasciitis (infection of the subcutaneous fascia and fat), gas gangrene (caused by Clostridium), and gangrenous cellulitis (in the immunocompromised).

PC:

• In wet gangrene the necrotic area is poorly demarcated from the surrounding tissue and patients are pyrexial/septic

Management:

• Surgical debridement/amputation and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics are required.

Dry gangrene

Dry gangrene is ischaemic gangrene and occurs secondary to chronically reduced blood flow. Ischaemic gangrene is classified according to pathophysiology: it occurs due to atherosclerosis (in association with peripheral arterial disease), thrombosis (in association with vasculitis and hypercoagulable states), and vasospasm (in association with cocaine use and Raynaud's).

PC:

• In dry gangrene the necrotic area is well demarcated from the surrounding tissue and patients are do not show signs of infection.
• Auto-amputation occurs in most cases.