[Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) in 2 women]

Abstract

In two female patients with an ischaemic peripheral disease, 49 and 32 years old, thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) was diagnosed. One suffered from ulceration of her left second toe, the other from pain of both hands followed by ulceration of two fingers. Both were smokers. Surgical treatment (amputation) was required, and they also had a prostacyclin infusion. They recovered and stopped smoking. Thromboangiitis obliterans is a non-arteriosclerotic, segmental occlusive disease of medium-sized and small arteries and veins, occurring predominantly in young male habitual smokers. In the nineteen-seventy less than 2% were women, but recent publications mention 23%, an increase which may be attributed to increased smoking in women. Recognition of Buerger's disease in women with peripheral occlusive arterial disease is important; the prognosis is good if they stop smoking.