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How Buerger's Disease Can Smoke Your Socks Off
By Olaf O.
Buerger's disease, also called thromboangiitis obliterans, is a rare disease of the blood vessels of the arms and legs. It is characterized by a combination of inflammation and clots in the arteries and veins that obstruct blood flow. Buerger's disease usually affects male smokers between ages 20 and 40, although cases affecting women are increasing proportionally with womens' rising addiction to tobacco in Europe and the United States. Although Buerger's disease is more common in the Middle East and the Far East, statistics tend to agree on an occurence of 7 in 100,000 men under the age of 40 in Europe. The cause of Buerger's disease isn't clear, but it is strongly associated with addiction to tobacco smoking. Stopping smoking usually improves the problem and can lead the disease to remission and virtual cure. Additionally, some research suggests that arsenic poisoning may play a role in the development of the disease. Buerger's disease restricts or blocks blood flow to the arms and legs, beginning with the hands, fingers and feet. This eventually damages or destroys tissues and makes them more prone to infections and gangrene. Signs and symptoms of Buerger's disease include: * Pain or tenderness in the fingers, hands or forearms * Pain in the toes, feet, ankles or legs * Skin changes (atrophy) or ulcers in the fingers and toes * Fingers and toes turning white or blue in response to cold or strong emotions (Raynaud's phenomenon) — this is due to blood vessel spasms resulting in less blood flow to fingers and toes * Visible short segments of enlarged, red and tender surface veins A doctor may confirm a diagnosis of Buerger's disease by: * Angiogram
* Ultrasound
* Biopsy of an affected blood vessel There is no specific treatment for Buerger's disease. Treatment is directed at managing the signs and symptoms and may include: * Stopping smoking (both active and passive)
* Surgery to cut certain nerves to the affected area (surgical sympathectomy) to help control the pain
* Amputation, if gangrene occurs Researchers are studying the effectiveness of clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) in reducing the risk of amputation in people with Buerger's disease. Such treatment is considered experimental at the present time. In addition, research indicates that intravenous (IV) iloprost, a drug that increases blood flow, may provide more pain relief than aspirin does in people with Buerger's disease. Both of these treatments are currently available only in Europe.
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No Ifs, Ands, or Butts: Smoking Kills
    
Necrosis of the lower limbs, Buerger's Disease
Necrosis and amputation of the toes due to Buerger's Disease
Ulceration & necrosis, Buerger's Disease
Although one foot looks ok, they're most likely both affected
Another glimpse of a recurring scenario, Buerger's Disease
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This intel was contributed by Olaf O.
Olaf O.
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May, 2012
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