Gangrene, amputation, and allogeneic transplantation in the fifth century AD: A pictorial representation

Wet or infected gangrene is necrosis of skin and soft tissue due to a broad category of saprogenic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi).1 It may be characterized clinically by edema, erythema, wound drainage, vesicles or bullae, necrosis, purulent secretions, fever, or pain and shows a rapid progression.2 The treatment is based on antibiotic or antifungal therapy, surgical débridement, and, when needed, amputation. The main risk factors include trauma, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, obesity, immune depressive states, and postsurgical infections.