Definition of Thromboangiitis obliterans:

Thromboangiitis obliterans is a disease that causes obstruction of the blood vessels of the hands and feet.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) is caused by vasculitis, which is an inflammation of blood vessels. Inflammation is irritation with presence of extra immune cells.

The blood vessels of the hands and feet are especially affected, becoming constricted or totally blocked. This reduces blood flow to the tissues of hands and feet, resulting in pain and eventually damage.

Thromboangiitis obliterans affects approximately 6 out of every 10,000 people. It almost always affects men 20 to 40 years of age who have a history of smoking or chewing tobacco.

The condition may also be associated with a history of Raynaud's disease. This disorder is very uncommon in children, but may occur in those with autoimmune diseases.