Buerger’s disease
Buerger’s disease, also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is an inflammatory, nonatheromatous occlusive condition that causes segmental lesions and subsequent thrombus formation in small- and medium-sized arteries (and sometimes the veins), resulting in decreased blood flow to the feet and legs.
It may produce ulceration and, eventually, gangrene.
It may produce ulceration and, eventually, gangrene.
Causes
Although the cause of Buerger’s disease is unknown, a definite link to smoking exists. Incidence is higher in Asians and people of Eastern European descent, especially among men younger than age 40.
Signs and symptoms
Buerger’s disease typically produces intermittent claudication (pain in muscles resulting from inadequate blood supply) of the instep, which is aggravated by exercise and relieved by rest. During exposure to low temperatures, the feet initially become cold, cyanotic, and numb; later, they redden, become hot, and tingle. Occasionally, Buerger’s disease also affects the hands, possibly resulting in painful fingertip ulcerations.
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