Buerger Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)

Question 1

Buerger Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)
What is it?

Answer 1

Inflammatory condition causing thrombus formation in small and medium sized blood vessels in the distal arterial system
Typically affecting men 25-35 - very strong associated
Smoking
Notable features - younger than 50, no RF for atherosclerosis than smoking

Question 2

Presentation of buerger disease

Answer 2

Painful, blue discolouration of tips of fingers/toes
May progress to ulcers, gangrene and amputation of digits
Pain is worse at night
Angiogram - corkscrew collaterals

Question 3

Management of buerger disease

Answer 3

Stop smoking completely - significant improvement
Cutting down/nicotine replacement not adequate
Specialist treatment - IV iloprost - prostacycline analogue, dilating blood vessels

Question 4

Young, male smoker with painful blue finger times

Answer 4

Buerger disease

Completely stop smoking!