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Buerger�s Disease

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lakshmi Venkataraman, MD on Jun 27, 2022


What is Buerger's Disease?

Buerger's disease or thromboangiitis obliterans is a condition characterized by inflammation and clot formation in the small and medium-sized blood vessels including arteries and veins.


It reduces the blood supply to the hands and feet, and the forearms and legs. The blood vessels supplying to the brain, heart and other organs may also be rarely affected.

What are the Causes of Buerger's Disease?

Though several mechanisms have been suggested, the exact cause of Buerger's disease is not known. Smoking is considered as the most important risk factor of Buerger's disease. Buerger's disease particularly affects those who smoke more than one and a half packs a day. Other forms of tobacco like chewing tobacco have also been associated with Buerger's disease.

Other risk factors for Buerger's disease include:

What are the Symptoms of Buerger's Disease?

Symptoms of Buerger's disease include the following:

In rare cases, the following may be present:

Some patients may report transient arthritis of large joints like the wrist or knees around ten years before the appearance of Buerger's disease.


How do you Diagnose Buerger's Disease?

Buerger's disease is diagnosed based on the following:


Buerger's disease is differentiated from other similar conditions based on the following:

How do you Treat Buerger's Disease?

There is no specific treatment for Buerger's disease. The patient is advised to quit smoking and should be provided guidance regarding methods for the same. Nicotine patches and gums should not be used. Though the symptoms may not be completely reversed, the risk for amputation is reduced in those who stop smoking.

Several medications that have been tried which may reduce pain but usually do not affect the disease process. These include the following:

Antibiotics are used to treat infected ulcers. The gangrenous area is treated with local debridement. Amputation may be required in some cases. Other surgical procedures that could provide relief include the following:

How do you Prevent Buerger's Disease?

Since tobacco is the principal risk factor of Buerger's disease, it is essential to avoid all forms of tobacco including tobacco used for chewing. Besides avoiding smoking, exposure to second hand smoke should also be avoided.

Health Tips

Once a limb is affected, it is important to protect it to prevent worsening of symptoms:

References:

  1. Buergers Disease - (https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/buergers-disease.html)
  2. Types of Vasculitis - (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/vas/types)
  3. Harrison�s Principles of Internal Medicine 19th edition
  4. Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger�s Disease)�Current Practices - (http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/156905)
  5. Arkkila PET. Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger''s disease). Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases20061:14 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1172-1-14

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