[Thromboangiitis obliterans]

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger disease) is a rare vascular disease, characterized by a multilocular, segmental, non-arteriosclerotic, thrombotic inflammation of small and medium size arterial and venous vessels and nerves. The precise etiology is unknown, but there is a cause-effect relationship with tobacco smoking. Autoimmunological, immunogenetic, infectious and hemostatic processes have been discussed as pathogenetic factors. The clinical picture is typically characterized by acrally localized, non-healing ulcerations, which frequently prompt patients to see a dermatologist. We present two patients with thromboangiitis obliterans and discuss the clinical features, the resulting differential diagnostic spectrum and possible therapeutic approaches.