thromboangiitis obliterans
Pronunciation: throm-bo-an-jee-EYE-tis ob-lit-er-anz
Inflammatory occlusive disease of small and medium arteries strongly associated with tobacco use, also known as Buerger disease.
Full Definition
Thromboangiitis obliterans, commonly known as Buerger disease, is a segmental inflammatory and thrombotic disease that affects small and medium-sized arteries and veins of the extremities. The condition is characterized by acute inflammation of vessel walls with thrombosis and is almost exclusively seen in young male smokers. Unlike atherosclerosis, the disease typically spares larger vessels and shows a characteristic segmental pattern with normal intervening segments. Complete tobacco cessation is essential for halting disease progression.
Usage
Usage note: Buerger disease is the more commonly used eponym in clinical practice.
In Context
- "The patient's smoking history and angiographic findings were diagnostic of thromboangiitis obliterans." — Vascular surgery consultation
- "Thromboangiitis obliterans typically shows segmental involvement with skip lesions on arteriography." — Medical education material