Emphysematous gangrene is a medical condition caused by gas-forming bacteria that can lead to tissue death. The pronunciation of this word is /ɛmfəˈsɛmətəs ˈɡæŋɡrin/. The first syllable, "emphysematous," is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable: /ɛmfəˈsɛmətəs/. The word "gangrene" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable and the secondary stress on the final syllable: /ˈɡæŋɡrin/. The spelling of this word can be challenging due to the multiple syllables and the use of both a "y" and an "e" in the word.
Emphysematous gangrene is a medical condition characterized by a rapidly progressing, life-threatening infection of soft tissues, usually caused by certain types of bacteria. It is a variant of gangrene in which the affected tissues become gas-filled and show signs of necrosis due to the destructive action of the bacteria.
The term "emphysematous" refers to the presence of gas, typically carbon dioxide and hydrogen, within the infected tissues. This gas is produced by the bacteria as a result of their metabolic activities. The growth and proliferation of certain types of bacteria, particularly Clostridium species, are commonly associated with the occurrence of emphysematous gangrene.
Emphysematous gangrene primarily affects the extremities, such as the legs and arms, but it can also occur in other parts of the body, including the abdomen and the genital area. The infection rapidly progresses and spreads through the surrounding tissues, causing severe pain, swelling, and discoloration. Other symptoms may include systemic manifestations such as fever, increased heart rate, and general malaise.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing emphysematous gangrene, as the condition can rapidly lead to sepsis, organ failure, and death if left untreated. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgical intervention, where the infected tissues are removed, and antibiotic therapy to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also be used to aid in tissue healing and inhibit bacterial growth.
Overall, emphysematous gangrene is a grave and potentially fatal condition that requires prompt medical attention to prevent its progression and potential complications.
Gaseous g., a form in which the subcutaneous tissues are permeated with gas from putrefaction, crackling occurring on palpation; see also gas phlegmon.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "emphysematous gangrene" can be broken down into two parts: "emphysematous" and "gangrene".
1. "Emphysematous": The word "emphysematous" originates from the Greek word "emphysema", which translates to "inflation" or "to puff up". The term is derived from the Greek words "en", meaning "in", and "physan", meaning "blow or puff". In medical terminology, "emphysema" refers to a condition characterized by the abnormal presence of air or gas in body tissues, particularly in the lungs.
2. "Gangrene": The term "gangrene" comes from the Latin word "gangraena", which is derived from the Greek word "gangraina".