MANAGING YOUR THROMBOANGIITIS OBLITERANS (BUERGER’S DISEASE)

What Is Thromboangiitis Obliterans?

Thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as TAO or Buerger’s disease, is a disease of small and medium-sized blood vessels of the arms and legs. Inflammation leads to scarring and blockage of blood vessels, eventually by clots. Affected areas have poor blood flow. This disease is most common in men younger than 50 who abuse tobacco products. It’s a rare cause of poor circulation.

What Causes Thromboangiitis Obliterans?

The cause is unknown. However, the disease is found only in tobacco smokers. If smoking continues, the disease gets worse; if smoking stops, the disease often improves. It’s not contagious and doesn’t seem to be inherited. It is most common in the Middle East, the Far East, and Asia. In the U.S., it occurs in about 10 to 20 people for every 100,000.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Thromboangiitis Obliterans?

Symptoms usually start in hands and feet. Arms and legs feel numb and cold. Calf pain may occur with walking (claudication). Skin ulcers can form and are due to low blood flow. Ulcers occur at tips of fingers and toes. Tissue there can become necrotic (dead), which leads to gangrene and maybe amputation.

How Is Thromboangiitis Obliterans Diagnosed?

The health care provider makes a preliminary diagnosis from the medical history and physical examination. Migratory thrombophlebitis is common. This thrombophlebitis is the presence of small blood clots that move from one spot to another. Angiography can help confirm the diagnosis. In this test, a catheter (tube) is put into the blood vessel of the affected limb, dye is injected into it, and a picture of the blood vessel is taken. Echocardiography may be done to make sure that clots aren’t forming inside the heart and traveling to blood vessels in the legs.

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How Is Thromboangiitis Obliterans Treated?

The best treatment is to stop smoking. If smoking continues, the disease becomes worse. Skin ulcers, necrotic fingers and toes, and gangrene can occur. Amputation may be needed. Treatment may also include bypass operations for better circulation and surgery to cut nerves that may cause blood vessel constriction. Medicines may be used to dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, or dissolve clots. Compression devices may improve calf blood flow. Hyperbaric chambers and surgical ulcer removal may also be used.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Thromboangiitis Obliterans:

DO understand that treatments aim to provide relief of pain from poor circulation. They also try to heal ulcers. However, these treatments won’t work if smoking continues.
DO realize that surgery to bypass blocked blood flow can lead to faster healing of ulcers.
DO protect your fingers and toes from cold and injury.
DO look for a vascular surgeon who has experience with this disorder.
DO call your health care provider if you get pain in the legs with walking or at rest. Call if you have skin breakdown or ulcers, cold feet or fingers, or color changes of your fingers or toes.
DO call your health care provider if you’re interested in smoking cessation programs or if you need a referral to a vascular surgeon.

DON’T SMOKE!
DON’T miss follow-up appointments. Ulcer healing must be checked. Antibiotics can be used for infections, and surgery to remove dead tissue around the ulcers helps healing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the following source:

Vascular Disease Foundation
Website: http://www.vdf.org
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Website: http://www.mayoclinic.com
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center
Phone: 301-592-8573
Website: www.nhlbi.nih.gov
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD)
Phone: 800-999-6673
American Heart Association
Tel: (800) 242-8721
Website: www.americanheart.org

Ferri’s Netter Patient Advisor