Alternative Names
Buerger’s disease
Definition of Thromboangiitis obliterans
Thromboangiitis obliterans is a rare disease in which blood vessels of the hands and feet become blocked.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease) is caused by vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).
Signs and tests
The hands or feet may have large, red, tender blood vessels. The pulse in the affected hands or feet may be low or missing.
Treatment
There is no cure for thromboangiitis obliterans. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis)
Symptoms of thromboangiitis obliterans may disappear if the person stops tobacco use. For some, amputation is unavoidable.
Review
Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/5/2010
