Necrosis

Information:

Definition:
Dead bones or small areas of tissue in the body. This is caused when not enough blood is supplied to the tissue, whether from trauma, radiation, or chemicals.

When larger areas of tissues are dead, the tissue is called gangrene.


This picture shows deep venous thrombosis with phlebitis in the right forefoot. The blood clotting has caused tissue death (necrosis) in the toes.



Plague was often referred to as the "black death" because of the appearance of the body. Here, gangrene with typical discoloration and tissue death is present. Plague is transmitted to man from wild rodents carrying insects, typically lice.



Necrosis can occur any time there is abnormal coagulation within the blood vessels. In this person, all circulation to the toes and front part of the foot has ceased and gangrene has developed in the toes. This condition in infants may follow infection with meningococci, generalized sepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.



Purpura is a condition characterized by bleeding into the skin or other tissue. Purpura fulminans is a rapidly progressive form of purpura. It usually occurs in children and frequently results in death. This picture shows a critically ill child with purpura fulminans on the lower extremities.







Infection by the meningococcus organism causes damage to the blood vessels with subsequent clotting within the vessels. This causes loss of blood flow to tissue, which results in discoloration and tissue death.



Insufficient blood flow has caused tissue death (necrosis) and gangrene of the middle two toes, which have become black.



This photograph shows tissue death (necrosis) that has occurred from lack of blood supply. There is a blackened slough (eschar) overlying the heel, ankle, and extending up the leg. This individual has severe peripheral vascular disease.



Meningococcemia is a life-threatening infection that occurs when the meningococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, invades the blood stream. There is usually bleeding into the skin (petechiae and purpura), and the tissue in these areas may die (become necrotic or gangrenous). If the patient survives, the areas heal with scarring.



Meningococcemia is a life-threatening infection that occurs when the meningococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, invades the blood stream. Bleeding into the skin (petechiae and purpura) may occur. The tissue in areas may die (become necrotic or gangrenous). If the person survives, the areas heal with scarring.



Meningococcemia is a life-threatening infection that occurs when the meningococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, invades the blood stream. There is usually bleeding into the skin (petechiae and purpura), and the tissue in these areas may die (become necrotic or gangrenous). If the patient survives, the areas heal with scarring. This picture demonstrates more hemorrhage and little tissue death.



Meningococcemia is a life-threatening infection that occurs when the bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis, invades the blood stream. Bleeding into the skin (petechiae and purpura) typically occurs and the tissue may die (become necrotic or gangrenous). If the patient survives, the areas heal with scarring.