What serious complication can arise from gangrene?

Gangrene is a serious condition that occurs when body tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply or a severe bacterial infection. One of the most critical complications that can arise from gangrene is bacteremia and sepsis. Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can occur when the bacteria from the necrotic (dead) tissue enter the circulation.

Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection. Sepsis can result in multiple organ dysfunction and, if not treated promptly, can lead to septic shock, which is a critical medical emergency. The risk of developing bacteremia and sepsis is particularly high in cases of gangrene, as the compromised tissue and possible presence of pathogens create a perfect environment for infection to spread throughout the body.

The other options, while they can be associated with gangrene, do not reflect the most severe and immediate complications. Skin discoloration is a common early sign of gangrene, nerve damage may occur due to prolonged ischemia, and muscle stiffness can be present, particularly in cases of infection or necrosis, but these complications do not pose the immediate life-threatening risk that bacteremia and sepsis do.