Gangrene

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Gangrene

Definition:

Gangrene is the death of tissue in part of the body.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Gangrene can occur when a body part loses its blood supply. This may happen from, for example, injury or infection. You have a higher risk for gangrene if you have:

Diabetes
Blood vessel disease (such as arteriosclerosis in your arms or legs)
A serious injury
Surgery
Immunosuppression (for example, from HIV or chemotherapy)

Review Date: 8/10/2004
Reviewed By: Updates to specific sections made by Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Grace Jeon, M.D., M.P.H., General Surgeon, Pasadena, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11-22-2003).

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