AtoZ Diseases

What do Doctors call this Condition – Thromboangiitis obliterans

What is this Condition?

Buerger’s disease – an inflammatory, occlusive condition – causes segmental lesions and subsequent blood clot (thrombus) formation in the small and medium arteries (and sometimes the veins), thereby reducing blood flow to the feet and legs. This disorder may produce ulceration and, eventually, gangrene.

What Causes it?

Although the cause of Buerger’s disease is unknown, it has been linked to smoking, suggesting a hypersensitivity reaction to nicotine. Incidence is highest among men of Jewish ancestry between the ages of 20 and 40 who smoke heavily.

What are its Symptoms?

Buerger’s disease typically causes intermittent claudication (cramplike pains) of the instep, which is aggravated by exercise and relieved by rest. During exposure to low temperature, the feet initially become cold, pale, and numb; later, they redden, become hot, and tingle.

Occasionally, Buerger’s disease also affects the hands, possibly resulting in painful fingertip ulcers.

How is it Diagnosed?

The person’s history and physical exam strongly suggest Buerger’s disease. Supportive diagnostic tests include arteriography (X-ray of the artery) and an ultrasound scan.

How is it Treated?

The primary goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Such therapy may include an exercise program that uses gravity to fill and drain the blood vessels or, in severe disease, a surgical procedure called a lumbar sympathectomy (interruption of the sympathetic nervous system pathway) to increase blood supply to the skin. Amputation may be necessary for nonhealing ulcers, intractable pain, or gangrene.

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