[Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger disease) discovered by symptoms of arthralgia in a young woman]

Abstract

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) or Buerger's disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the small and medium caliber arteries and veins. It affects predominantly young, smoking males. The clinical manifestations are usually ischemic lesions of the extremities or limb claudication. The physiopathology is yet unknown. However, several hypotheses involving a dysregulation of the immune response are discussed. Here, we report a case of a young woman, smoker, that presented with diffuse arthralgia of the lower extremities. We were able to diagnose a thromboangiitis obliterans using criteria established by Papa et al. They include anamnestic, clinical and angiographic data. The pharmacological treatment of TAO is disappointing. The only way to prevent the extension of the disease is to stop smoking cigarettes.