Necrosis

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Necrosis

Meningococcemia on the calves
Meningococcemia on the calves
Meningococcemia on the leg
Meningococcemia on the leg
Meningococcemia associated purpura
Meningococcemia associated purpura
Necrosis of the toes
Necrosis of the toes

Definition

Necrosis is death of body tissue. It occurs when there is not enough blood flowing to the tissue, whether from injury, radiation, or chemicals. Necrosis is not reversible.

When substantial areas of tissue die due to a lack of blood supply, the condition is called gangrene.

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    Review Date: 8/10/2009
    Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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