Thromboangéite oblitérante ou maladie de Buerger

Abstract

Buerger's disease or thromboangiitis obliterans is an inflammatory, segmental and occlusive disease that most commonly affects the small and medium-sized arteries and veins of limbs. The disease typically occurs in young male smokers. The cause is unknown; however tobacco consumption is central to the initiation and progress of the disease. Some immunological processes could be involved and recently, an impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation has been observed. The diagnosis is based on exclusion of another vascular disease, on clinical features and on arteriography. Concomitant Raynaud's phenomenon, or digital arteriopathy, or superficial thrombosis may be arguments for a diagnosis of Buerger's disease. To date, no long-term pharmacological therapy has shown any efficacy and the only efficient strategy to prevent disease progression is complete smoking discontinuation.