Medical Health Encyclopedia

Thromboangiitis obliterans

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Thromboangiites obliterans Circulatory system

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Thromboangiitis obliterans

Definition:

Thromboangiitis obliterans is a disease that causes obstruction of the blood vessels of the hands and feet.

Alternative Names:
Buerger's disease

Text Continues Below

---

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is caused by vasculitis, which is an inflammation of blood vessels. Inflammation is irritation with presence of extra immune cells.

The blood vessels of the hands and feet are especially affected, becoming constricted or totally blocked. This reduces blood flow to the tissues of hands and feet, resulting in pain and eventually damage.

Thromboangiitis obliterans affects approximately 6 out of every 10,000 people. It almost always affects men 20 to 40 years of age who have a history of smoking or chewing tobacco.

The condition may also be associated with a history of Raynaud's disease. This disorder is very uncommon in children, but may occur in those with autoimmune diseases.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.