Thromboangiitis obliterans

Alternative names:

Buerger's disease

Definition:

A disorder causing obstruction of the blood vessels of the hands and feet. It is caused by bands of inflammation and changes in the lining of the small arteries and veins.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is a disorder where the blood vessels of the hands and feet become constricted or totally obstructed because of clots and inflammation within the blood vessels. This reduces the availability of blood to the tissues, causing pain and eventually damaging or destroying the tissues, and making them more prone to infections and gangrene.

Thromboangiitis obliterans affects approximately 6 out of 10,000 people. It almost always affects men, 20 to 40 years old, who have a history of smoking or chewing tobacco. This may also be associated with people who have a history of Raynaud's disease. This disorder is very uncommon in children, but there is a higher incidence in those with autoimmune diseases.