Buerger's disease

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Buerger's disease, also called thromboangiitis obliterans, is a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs. Buerger's disease is characterized by a combination of inflammation and clots in the blood vessels, which impairs blood flow. This eventually damages or destroys tissues and may lead to infection and gangrene. Buerger's disease usually begins in the hands and feet and may progress to affect larger areas of the limbs.

Buerger's disease is rare in the United States, but is more common in the Middle East and Far East. Buerger's disease most commonly affects men between ages 20 and 40, though it's becoming more common in women.

Virtually everyone diagnosed with Buerger's disease smokes cigarettes or uses other forms of tobacco, such as chewing tobacco. Quitting all forms of tobacco is the only way to stop Buerger's disease. For those who don't quit, amputation of all or part of a limb may ultimately be necessary.

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Symptoms