BUERGER’S DISEASE IN A YOUNG SMOKER; ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS

Abstract

Buerger's disease or thromboangiitis obliterans is a non atherosclerotic, segmental obliterative vascular disease that affects medium and small sized arteries and superficial veins.1 It typically occurs in young male smokers, with the onset of symptoms before the age of 40 to 45 years. Progression of the disease is closely linked to continued use of tobacco. Patients present with rest pain, ischemic ulcers, and gangrene of the digits of hands and feet. Large arteries are typically spared, as are the coronary, cerebral, and visceral circulations.2 Typical angiographic findings have been described that are highly suggestive of the disease. These patterns include diffuse vascular narrowing, occlusions, and a segmental pattern of involvement as well as corkscrew configuration proximally and a tree-root appearance distally.3 Key words : Thromboangiitis obliterans, Buerger’s disease, Peripheral ischemia.