Thromboangiitis obliterans. An update on Buerger's disease.

Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a nonnecrotizing vasculitis affecting small and medium-sized arteries, typically in young male smokers. The diagnosis can often be made on the basis of a careful history and physical examination, together with ancillary laboratory studies. Occasionally arteriography is warranted to confirm the diagnosis. The pathological findings are distinctive and distinguish this disorder from other arterial occlusive diseases. Successful therapy is possible only with absolute abstinence from tobacco.