Acral necrosis 1761264 198659806 2008-03-16T17:10:48Z 142.151.159.124 {{Refimprove|date=June 2007}} [[Image:Acral gangrene due to plague.jpg|thumb|right|250 px|A hand with acral gangrene due to [[bubonic plague|plague]].]] '''Acral necrosis''' is a symptom common in [[bubonic plague]]. The striking black discoloration of skin and tissue, primarily on the extremities ("acral"), is commonly thought to have given rise to the name "[[Black Death]]," associated both with the disease and the [[pandemic]] which occurred in the 14th century. The term in fact came from the figural sense of "black", that is glum, lugubrious or dreadful. Clotting and bleeding beneath the skin causes an area of hemorrhage, the presence of red blood cells lying outside of capillaries, into the skin and subcutaneous tissue. In isolation, this is called an [[ecchymosis]] or bruise and may be the result of injury or illness. However, acral necrosis occurs when blood supply is disrupted for prolonged periods, blackening and damaging the affected area and surrounding tissue. With appropriate medical treatment, areas with Acral necrosis may be successfully restored to function. Untreated cases can lead to death. ==External links== *eMedicine site: description and graphic photographs [http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic428.htm] [[Category:Diseases]] {{disease-stub}}