Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) and smokeless tobacco

Thromboangiitis obliterans, a distinct clinical and pathologic entity characterized by segmental inflammatory and proliferative lesions of the tunica media of small arteries and veins, has been reported frequently in men who have a history of heavy cigarette smoking. We report a case of thromboangiitis obliterans in a 38-year-old man that was clearly associated with the use of smokeless (chewing) tobacco. In addition to a physical history and examination and laboratory evaluation, a biopsy of the skin and deep subcutaneous tissue of the patient's left thigh was performed, and this revealed occlusion of 2 large dermal blood vessels by a highly organized thrombus. A regimen of nifedipine and antiplatelet therapy, plus complete abstinence from tobacco, resulted in resolution of the patient's symptoms and pain. Our findings may be of particular importance in view of the increasing popularity of smokeless tobacco and the complications which may result from its use.