Thromboangiitis obliterans

[Dorothey Allen]

Thromboangiitis obliterans is inflammation and subsequent blockage of small and medium-sized arteries of the legs or arms.

Thromboangiitis obliterans commonly develops in smokers.
Symptoms are those of reduced blood flow to an extremity: coldness, numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation.
Ultrasonography is often used to detect decreased blood flow in the affected extremity.
Stopping smoking is the most important part of treatment.
People may also need to take drugs.

Thromboangiitis obliterans is a rare type of occlusive peripheral arterial disease that usually develops in smokers, most commonly in men aged 20 to 40. Thromboangiitis obliterans was once considered a man’s disease, but it is becoming increasingly common among women who smoke.
How cigarette smoking relates to thromboangiitis obliterans is poorly understood, and what causes the disease is unknown. One theory is that smoking triggers inflammation and narrowing (constriction) of arteries. However, only a small number of smokers develop thromboangiitis obliterans. Some people may be more susceptible than others for as yet unknown reasons. Nonetheless, thromboangiitis obliterans invariably worsens in people who continue to smoke, and amputation is commonly required. In contrast, if people with thromboangiitis obliterans quit smoking, amputation is rarely required.