Nekroza

Nekroza is a medical term referring to the death of cells or tissues in a living organism. It is an irreversible process that occurs when the body's cells are subjected to injury or stress that they cannot overcome. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of blood supply, infection, toxins, or trauma.

There are several types of nekroza, each with distinct characteristics. Coagulative nekroza is the most common type and is characterized by the preservation of the basic outline of the cell or tissue. It often occurs in organs like the heart and kidneys due to ischemia, a lack of blood flow. Liquefactive nekroza, on the other hand, involves the complete digestion of the cell by hydrolytic enzymes, resulting in a soft, viscous mass. This type is typically seen in the brain and in bacterial infections. Caseous nekroza, named for its cheese-like appearance, is often associated with tuberculosis. Fat nekroza occurs in fatty tissues and can be caused by enzymatic digestion, as seen in pancreatitis. Gangrenous nekroza is a clinical term for nekroza of a limb, often due to an interruption of blood supply, and can be further classified as dry or wet depending on the presence of bacterial infection.

The consequences of nekroza vary depending on the extent and location of the tissue death. It can lead to inflammation, pain, and loss of function. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening, requiring surgical intervention to remove the necrotic tissue and prevent complications such as sepsis. Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, and sometimes imaging studies or biopsies. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the nekroza and managing its effects.