Musculoskeletal ImagingGas gangrene
a complication of infection in wounds contaminated by anaerobic orgamisms, especially species of
Clostridium. For a general description, see
gangrene.
Extensive tissue destruction with formation of gas is typical of gas gangrene, which may occur with war injuries, septic abortion, burns, decubitus ulcers and other types of trauma. Radiographic features include radiolucent areas of varying size within subcutaneous tissues or muscles (see clostridium (III:1), Fig. 1). Collections of gas may also be seen in nongangrenous conditions, however, such as some infections with coliform bacteria, streptococci, and Bacteroides species.
DR