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:
- Discoloration (blue or black if skin is affected; red or bronze if the affected area is beneath the skin)
- Loss of sensation (which may occur after severe pain in the area)
- Foul-smelling discharge
If the affected area is internal (such as gangrene of the gallbladder or gas gangrene), the symptoms may include:
- Persistent or severe pain
- Fever
- Gas in tissues beneath the skin
- General ill feeling
- Septic shock
Exams and Tests
The doctor may diagnose gangrene from a physical examination. In addition, the following tests and procedures may be performed to diagnose gangrene:
- Blood tests -- a CBC may show a high white blood cell (WBC) count
- X-rays
- CT scan for internal conditions, such as abdominal pain
- Surgical exploration to confirm (and treat) gangrene
- Microscopic examination of tissue to look for cell death
- Tissue or fluid culture from wounds to identify bacterial infection
- An arteriogram to help plan treatment for vascular disease
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