[Diagnostic and therapeutic problems in endangiitis obliterans]

Out of all patients (n = 313) suffering from peripheral vascular disorders seen at our Department from 1975 to 1981 21 patients had Buerger's disease (Thrombendangitis obliterans). In 4 of them immunological deposits could be traced in the basement membrane of their capillaries. In our opinion nicotine has a stimulating immunological effect on the vessel wall and can be considered as the trigger mechanism for Buerger's disease.