Air embolism Arterial Gas Embolism Arterial gas embolism is blockage of blood supply to organs caused by bubbles in an artery. It is a leading cause of death among underwater divers, such as scuba divers, who breathe compressed... read more

Blockage of the large artery Blockage of Central Retinal Arteries and Branch Retinal Arteries An artery in the retina (the transparent, light-sensitive structure at the back of the eye) may become blocked, causing sudden, painless loss of vision. Doctors typically make the diagnosis... read more or vein Blockage of Central Retinal Veins and Branch Retinal Veins A vein in the retina (the transparent, light-sensitive structure at the back of the eye) may become blocked, causing sudden, painless loss of vision. Doctors typically make the diagnosis by... read more that supplies the retina in the eye

Clostridial infection Gas Gangrene Gas gangrene is a life-threatening infection of muscle tissue caused mainly by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium perfringens and several other species of clostridia. Gas gangrene can develop... read more (a severe bacterial infection of soft tissues)

Decompression sickness Decompression Sickness Decompression sickness is a disorder in which nitrogen dissolved in the blood and tissues by high pressure forms bubbles as pressure decreases. Symptoms can include fatigue and pain in muscles... read more

Death of bone caused by radiation therapy (osteoradionecrosis)

Infection with “flesh-eating bacteria” (necrotizing fasciitis Necrotizing Skin Infections Necrotizing skin infections, including necrotizing cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis, are severe forms of cellulitis characterized by death of infected skin and tissues (necrosis). The infected... read more )

Poorly healing skin grafts

Severe bone infection (osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is a bone infection usually caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi. Bacteria, mycobacteria, or fungi can infect bones by spreading through the bloodstream or, more often, by... read more )

Severe burns Burns Burns are injuries to tissue that result from heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals. Burns cause varying degrees of pain, blisters, swelling, and skin loss. Small, shallow burns may need... read more

Severe carbon monoxide poisoning Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning is common. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, drowsiness, and confusion. The diagnosis is based on blood tests. Carbon monoxide detectors, adequate venting of furnaces... read more

Severe crushing injury, usually of a limb

Soft-tissue or bone injury caused by radiation therapy

Wounds in limbs that have poor blood supply

Brain abscess and infection caused by actinomycosis

Severe anemia and very low blood pressure due to blood loss when transfusion is not possible