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Thromboangiites obliterans
Thromboangiites obliterans
Circulatory system
Circulatory system
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Thromboangiitis obliterans

Definition:
Thromboangiitis obliterans is a disease that causes obstruction of the blood vessels of the hands and feet.

Alternative Names:
Buerger's disease

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is caused by vasculitis, which is an inflammation (irritation with presence of extra immune cells) of blood vessels.

The blood vessels of the hands and feet are especially affected, becoming constricted or totally blocked. This reduces blood flow to the tissues of hands and feet, resulting in pain and eventually damage.

Thromboangiitis obliterans affects approximately 6 out of every 10,000 people. It almost always affects men aged 20 to 40 years old who have a history of smoking or chewing tobacco.

The condition may also be associated with a history of Raynaud's disease. This disorder is very uncommon in children, but may occur in those with autoimmune diseases.



Review Date: 5/10/2002
Reviewed By: Birgit Kovacs, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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