nekroosiin

Nekroosiin refers to necrosis, the death of cells and tissue due to irreversible injury. In Finnish medical usage, it denotes the spectrum of processes in which cellular integrity is lost, leading to tissue damage and loss of function.

Common forms include coagulative necrosis (ischemic injury in most solid organs; cell outlines persist briefly as nuclei disappear), liquefactive necrosis (tissue digestion by enzymes, seen in brain infarcts and abscesses), caseous necrosis (cheese-like tissue in tuberculosis), fat necrosis (lipolysis around pancreas or breast), and gangrenous necrosis (extensive necrosis, often with infection).

Causes include ischemia, hypoxia, toxins, infections, inflammation, trauma, and chronic vascular or metabolic diseases.

Pathophysiology involves loss of cell membrane integrity and energy failure, with swelling and rupture of cells, discharge of intracellular contents, and an inflammatory response. The appearance differs by type; coagulative necrosis preserves tissue outlines while liquefactive destroys tissue structure more rapidly.

Diagnosis relies on clinical context, imaging, and histology, which shows eosinophilic cytoplasm, pyknotic nuclei, and disrupted architecture. Necrosis impairs organ function and raises infection risk if necrotic tissue becomes infected.

Management targets the underlying cause, removal of necrotic tissue when needed, infection control with antibiotics, and supportive care. Prevention focuses on vascular risk management and prompt treatment of injuries to limit progression to necrosis.