Ask the Expert

Get answers to your Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Thromboangiitis obliterans - Overview

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 obstructed.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is caused by vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).

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

Thromboangiitis obliterans affects about 6 of every 10,000 people. It almost always affects men ages 20 to 40 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.

Thromboangiites obliterans

Circulatory system

Reviewed last on: 10/27/2008
Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Olin JW. Other peripheral arterial diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 80.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)