Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger's Disease)

Overview

Thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as Buerger's disease, is a chronic progressive occlusive disease marked by segmental, non-suppurative inflammation of small and medium arteries and veins with luminal thrombosis. It mainly affects the limbs, especially the lower legs, causing ischemic changes; it occurs mostly in young and middle-aged men, most with a smoking history.

Symptoms

• Cold limbs
• Intermittent claudication
• Pain
• Ulceration
• Numbness

Treatment

The top priority is complete smoking cessation and keeping the affected limb warm; vasodilators and antiplatelet drugs improve circulation, and severe ischemia or gangrene requires revascularization or amputation.

Dietary advice

Light, low-fat diet, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and strict avoidance of tobacco and alcohol.