Etiopathogenesis, clinical diagnosis and treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans – current practices (original) (raw)

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), also known as Buerger's disease, is an inflammatory disorder affecting small and medium-sized arteries, primarily in young smokers. Characterized by segmental occlusive thrombosis, the condition leads to significant vascular insufficiency. Smoking is a key trigger, with the etiology involving possible genetic and autoimmune factors. Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical evaluation and specific investigations. Current treatment primarily focuses on smoking cessation, alongside other therapeutic interventions such as iloprost infusion and autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation, which have shown promise in alleviating symptoms and preventing amputation.