Buerger's Disease - How do you know if you have it?

Overview of Buerger's Disease

Buerger's disease or Thrombo-angitis Obliterans is an obliterative or occlusive disease of the median and small arteries and veins
It is an inflammation of blood vessels caused by thrombus formation. Buerger's disease is common in males and chain smokers.
The distal upper and lower limbs are most commonly affected



Causes and Pathophysiology of Buerger's Disease

The cause is idiophatic or unknown. But predisposing factors are hereditary and tobacco smoking ----------> leading to thrombus formation to blood vessels of peripherals ----------> caused inflammation of blood vessels ----------> thrombus blocks blood supply to arms and legs ----------> decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to peripherals ----------> leading to different signs and symptoms of Buerger's disease.



Signs And Symptoms of Buerger's Disease

• cyanosis (ischemia)
• thick malformed nails
• decreased peripheral circulation
• coldness of extremities
• atrophy of extremities
• non-healing wound
•  intermittent claudication
• Homan’s sign
• numb
• tingling sensation
• diminished distal pulses

Treatment of Buerger's Disease

• vasodilator
• stop smoking
• proper hygiene
• antibiotics
• clean wound
• analgesic

Surgery for Buerger's Disease

• Arteriography
• amputation
• artificial AV fistula
• lumbar sympathectomy

Here are some NCLEX and PRC Practice Test for Buerger's disease.