The rise and fall and resurgence of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease)

Abstract

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO; or Buerger's disease) is a nonarteriosclerotic, segmental, occlusive inflammatory disease of medium-sized and small arteries and veins of unknown cause, occurring predominantly in young male habitual tobacco users. Less than 2% of the patients with TAO are women or elderly persons. TAO is a treatable disease when diagnosed early and if strict abstinence from tobacco is observed. Otherwise progression and exacerbation of limb ischemia may lead to multiple and repeated amputations, and rarely visceral or cerebral ischemia. Over a 40-year period, 1947 to 1986, the prevalence rate of the diagnosis of TAO has declined steadily from 104/100,000 in 1947 to 13/100,000 in 1986 (an 8-fold decrease) where clinical and pathologic criteria for the diagnosis of TAO have remained unchanged. A similar pattern of decline was observed in two other major medical centers. Twelve women and 97 men with TAO were identified in the 5-year period 1981-1985. The 11% (12 of 109) incidence of female TAO was 10-fold that was previously reported. All 12 women were heavy smokers; 8 (67%) had thrombophlebitis and 6 (50%) had upper limb ischemia. Nine (75%) of 12 women required amputations; delay in diagnosis contributed to additional amputations in 2 patients. The increased prevalence of TAO in women may be attributed to the smoking habit in young women overall, which has increased significantly rather than decreased (as in males) since 1965.