Necrosis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Necrosis

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Meningococcemia on the calves

Meningococcemia on the leg

Meningococcemia associated purpura

Necrosis of the toes

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.

Update Date: 8/10/2009

Updated 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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