[Thromboangiitis obliterans: an overview]

Thromboangiitis obliterans is a vascular disease characterized by a segmental, non-atherosclerotic inflammation of the small and medium-sized arteries and veins. The vascular changes are mainly found on the distal extremities. Involvement of visceral organs is rare. Affected patients are mostly young male smokers, who develop ulcers and gangrene of the toes and fingers as a result of the vascular ischaemia. Diagnosis is made using characteristic clinical criteria as well as pathological findings in arteriography and histopathology. Although the exact underlying causes of Buerger's disease are still unknown, the disease is strongly associated with tobacco smoking. Although most investigators speculate about an autoimmune mechanism, no causative antigens have yet been discovered. The only definite form of therapy is the discontinuation of tobacco use. On the basis of smoking cessation, further therapies (e.g. administration of prostacyclin analoga) are possible. The mortality rate for patients with Buerger's disease is not higher than that for the rest of the adult population, but patients often require minor and major limb amputation due to ulcerations.