Liquefactive Necrosis
Definition
Cell death in which the normal tissue architecture is dissolved into a soft, liquid mass. Produced by strong alkalis (hydroxide saponifies lipids and dissolves structural proteins) and by certain enzymatic infections. Has no self-limiting barrier; depth of penetration is limited only by the concentration and volume of the agent.
- Cause
- Strong alkalis, some enzymatic infections
- Effect
- Tissue dissolved into a soft liquid mass
- Property
- No self-limiting barrier
Common questions
Why do alkali burns tend to penetrate deeper than acid burns?+
Acids typically cause coagulative necrosis, forming a protein barrier that limits further penetration. Alkalis instead dissolve structural proteins and fats, so nothing stops the injury from spreading deeper into tissue.
What does the absence of a self-limiting barrier mean for wound assessment?+
Because the damage keeps advancing rather than sealing itself off, the eventual depth and severity of an alkali injury can be underestimated if it is assessed too soon after exposure.
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