infections
Gas Gangrene
Diagnosis of Gas Gangrene
Examination and culture of fluids from the wound Sometimes exploratory surgery or biopsy to obtain a tissue sample Gas gangrene is suspected based on symptoms and results of a physical examination. X-rays are taken to check for gas bubbles in muscle tissue, or computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is done to check for areas of dead muscle tissue. These findings support the diagnosis. However, gas bubbles may also occur in other anaerobic infections. Fluids from the wound are examined under a microscope to check for clostridia and are sent to a laboratory where bacteria, if present, can be grown (cultured) and tested. Cultures can confirm the presence of clostridia. However, not all people with clostridia have gas gangrene. Confirmation of the diagnosis often requires exploratory surgery or removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope (biopsy) to check for characteristic changes in muscle. 