Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease)

Thromboangiitis obliterans, or Buerger’s disease, is a unique disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and acute thrombosis of the medium and small arteries of the extremities, leading to vascular insufficiency. The disease is most common in young male smokers, before the age of 50. Incidence of the disease has been decreasing over the past several decades, thought to correlate with the decreased incidence of smoking. The relative incidence in females has increased over the same time period. The presenting symptoms are usually claudication of the feet or hands, followed by the development of ischemic ulcerations and ultimately gangrene if the disease is allowed to progress. A disease pattern characterized by exacerbation and remission is common over a defined period of disease activity, usually declining drastically after the age of 60. The only proven therapy is cessation of smoking, which significantly decreases the risk of amputation and improves quality of life.