Gangrene involves the death of human tissue, usually due to ischemia, which is an interruption in the blood supply to a particular area. Loss of blood supply means loss of oxygen delivery to that tissue, as well as loss of other nutritive factors usually carried in the blood circulation. Tissue deprived in this manner will die, and often becomes infected with bacteria during this process.
The presence of atherosclerotic disease (disease in which arteries are stiff and hard, with fatty deposits blocking blood flow), is a major predisposing factor to gangrene, particularly of the toes, feet, and legs. People with diabetes often have advanced, severe cases of atherosclerosis, as well as a condition called neuropathy. Neuropathy is a type of nerve disease which results in a significant…
The scenario most frequently called to mind by the word gangrene is of an extremely rapidly progressing disorder, classically affecting a leg wounded in battle, and resulting in a blackening of the limb which leads either to death of the individual or amputation of the limb to save that person's life. In fact, this scenario (courtesy of all those old war movies on late at night) is due to a…
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