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Gangrene
Symptoms:
The symptoms depend on the location and cause of the gangrene. If the affected area involves the skin or is close to the skin, the symptoms may include:
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Discoloration (blue or black if skin is affected; red or bronze if the affected area is beneath the skin)
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Loss of sensation (which may occur after severe pain in the area)
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Foul-smelling discharge
If the affected area is internal (such as gangrene of the gallbladder or
gas gangrene
), the symptoms may include:
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Persistent or severe pain
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Fever
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Gas in tissues beneath the skin
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General ill feeling
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Septic shock
Signs and tests:
The doctor may diagnose gangrene from a physical examination. In addition, the following tests and procedures may be performed to diagnose gangrene:
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Blood tests -- a CBC may show a high white blood cell (WBC) count
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X-rays
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CT scan for internal conditions, such as abdominal pain
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Surgical exploration to confirm (and treat) gangrene
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Microscopic examination of tissue to look for cell death
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Tissue or fluid culture from wounds to identify bacterial infection
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An arteriogram to help plan treatment for vascular disease
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Review Date: 7/17/2006
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Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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