Buerger's disease (also known as thromboangiitis obliterans) was first reported by physician Leo Buerger in 1908, who described a disease which had the characteristic pathologic findings of acute inflammation and thrombosis (clotting) of arteries and veins of the hands and feet (the lower limbs being more common). It is strongly associated with use of tobacco products, primarily from smoking, but also from smokeless tobacco. Gangrene in the extremities is a common result; immediate and absolute cessation of tobacco use is necessary to prevent any further progression of the disease. Vascular surgery can sometimes be helpful in treating limbs with poor perfusion secondary to this disease.
Reference
- Buerger L. Thrombo-angiitis obliterans: a study of the vascular lesions leading to presenile spontaneous gangrene. Am J Med Sci 1908;136:567-80.
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