R02: Gangrene, not elsewhere classified

Gangrene refers to the death of body tissue due to either a lack of blood flow or a bacterial infection. Falling under the ICD-10 code R02, it typically affects the extremities, particularly the limbs and digits, but it can occur in muscles and internal organs. Gangrene might be caused by an injury, an infection, or conditions that affect blood circulation, notably diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Symptoms may involve a sudden pain followed by a loss of sensation, skin color changes towards black or blue, a foul-smelling discharge, and often a breakdown of the skin. Over time, gangrene can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads through the bloodstream, if not treated promptly. Through these descriptions, the key is understanding the seriousness of the disease as it maps towards tissue death, often resulting in limb loss or life-threatening complications.