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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 blocked.

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. They tighten or become totally blocked. The average age when symptoms begin is around 35 years. Woman and older adults are affected less often.

Thromboangiitis obliterans mostly affects men ages 20 to 40 who have a history of heavy smoking or chewing tobacco. Only 1 out of 10 patients are women.

The condition may also be related to a history of Raynaud's disease.

This disorder is very uncommon in children, but it may occur in children with autoimmune diseases.

  • Reviewed last on: 3/18/2011
  • A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Ariel D. Teitel, MD, MBA, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by Verimed Healthcare Network (11/5/2010).

References

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

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