Buerger disease
Pronunciation: BURG-er
Also written as: TAO — Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Inflammatory arteriopathy affecting small and medium arteries, strongly associated with tobacco use.
Full Definition
Buerger disease, also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is a non-atherosclerotic, segmental inflammatory disease affecting small and medium-sized arteries and veins. The condition is strongly associated with tobacco use and primarily affects young to middle-aged men, though increasing incidence in women has been reported. Pathologically, it is characterized by acute and chronic inflammation of vessel walls with thrombosis but sparing of the internal elastic lamina. Clinical presentation typically includes distal extremity ischemia, digital ulcerations, and gangrene. Smoking cessation is the most critical therapeutic intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Also known as thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). Ensure proper capitalization of the eponym.
In Context
- "The young smoker's digital gangrene was consistent with Buerger disease rather than atherosclerotic disease." — Clinical diagnosis
- "Angiography showed the characteristic 'corkscrew' collaterals typical of Buerger disease." — Imaging report