[Buerger's Disease - A National Institutional Experience and Literature Review]

Buerger's disease, or thromboangiitis obliterans, is a primary systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, that affects the arteries and veins of medium and small caliber, causing inflammatory thrombotic phenomena primarily in young smokers. The authors present a review of the cases followed in consultation in their department until 2009, intending to review and interpret the most relevant epidemiological data, as well as forms of presentation. The diagnosis was based on the following criteria: history of smoking, onset of symptoms before 50years of age, infra popliteal artery occlusive disease, involvement of the upper limbs or migratory phlebitis and no other risk factors for atherosclerosis. We evaluate and describe also the therapeutic options used in all cases, both medical treatment, smoking cessation and the surgical options held (revascularization, amputation or sympathectomy). The progression of the disease and its important relationship with the maintenance of tobacco use was also evaluated, comparing amputation levels and rates. After a careful review of the current literature on the subject, we conclude that the results are similar to other published series and the pathogenesis of this disease remains to be fully elucidated.