Acral necrosis

Acral Necrosis

A hand with acral gangrene

Acral necrosis is a severe dermatological manifestation, characterized by the black discoloration and necrotic degeneration of skin and underlying tissues, predominantly observed on the extremities. This clinical symptom has been historically associated with the bubonic plague, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The vivid dark discoloration linked with the bubonic plague is believed to have contributed to the term "Black Death", a descriptor for both the ailment and the devastating pandemic of the 14th century. Contrary to common belief, the appellation "Black Death" is derived more from the metaphorical interpretation of "black", representing something dire or terrible, rather than the actual physical manifestation.

Pathophysiology

The pathogenesis of acral necrosis is rooted in thrombosis and subsequent hemorrhage beneath the skin. The accumulation of red blood cells beyond the capillary confines results in visible ecchymosis or bruising. This can arise from trauma, infection, or underlying systemic conditions. However, the characteristic black discoloration and tissue destruction in acral necrosis ensue when there's prolonged disruption of blood supply, leading to tissue ischemia and eventual necrosis.

Clinical Significance

• Bubonic Plague Connection: The most infamous association of acral necrosis is with the bubonic plague, where extremities, including fingers, toes, and nose, manifest with the necrotic appearance.
• Prognosis and Treatment: Acral necrosis, when promptly diagnosed and treated, may have a favorable prognosis, with affected regions regaining functionality. However, if left untreated or addressed in advanced stages, the condition can be life-threatening.

Differential Diagnosis

While acral necrosis is a salient feature of bubonic plague, the differential diagnosis should encompass other conditions that can cause similar clinical pictures, such as:

• Raynaud's phenomenon
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Frostbite
• Other infections leading to septic embolisms

External links

• eMedicine - Detailed overview of acral necrosis with illustrative images.

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Portions of content adapted from Wikipedia's article on Acral necrosis which is released under the CC BY-SA 3.0.