Thromboangiitis obliterans

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is an inflammatory obliterative, nonatherosclerotic, vascular disease that affects the small- and medium-sized arteries, veins, and nerves. It is causally related to tobacco use, although the exact mechanism is unknown. Its clinical presentation is manifested by distal arterial ischemia and superficial thrombophlebitis. Thromboangiitis obliterans usually becomes quiescent if the patient is able to stop smoking cigarettes. However, if smoking continues, amputation commonly results.