# The Miraculous Diagnostic Role of Indocyanine Green in a Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Rare Case Report

## TL;DR

A 63-year-old diabetic patient with a foot ulcer had gangrenous tissue identified and removed using indocyanine green dye to assess blood flow.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the rare use of indocyanine green angiography for diagnosing tissue perfusion in a diabetic foot ulcer case.

## Key findings

- Indocyanine green angiography effectively visualized blood flow in the patient's foot.
- The procedure aided in identifying gangrenous tissue requiring amputation.
- The patient had elevated blood glucose and a history of alcohol and tobacco use.

## Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the blood. This causes small nerve polyneuropathy resulting in diabetic foot ulcers. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops as a result of chronic diabetes. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) near-infrared (NIR) can provide real-time visualization of blood flow within the microvasculature of the underlying organ. Here, we discuss a 63-year-old patient who came with a diabetic foot ulcer over his right great toe. His blood glucose level was 208 mg/dl. He drinks alcohol occasionally and smokes regularly. The tissue perfusion of his right foot was checked using the indocyanine green dye, after which orthopedic surgeons were consulted, and the gangrenous part was amputated.