Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger's Disease)

Thromboangiitis Obliterans (TAO) is a non-atherosclerotic segmental inflammatory disease predominantly affecting the medium to small sized arteries and veins of both lower and upper extremities. Cigarette smoking is the most important contributing factor in the development of the disease. The disease is assuming alarming proportions on the Indian subcontinent. Clinical features and investigations constitute the basis of an early diagnosis of thromboangiitis obliterans. Abstinence from smoking is the mainstay of treatment despite the availability of a wide spectrum of medications for the treatment of the disease. Surgical interventions have minimal scope in the management of the disease. Newer modalities such as stem cell therapy may perhaps hold a future for preventing disease progression.