Introduction / Background: Buerger's disease is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, strongly associated with
tobacco abuse worldwide. Buerger described Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) in 1908. High prevalence is found in
Asian / Middle East countries. The survival rate of TAO is almost 90%. Presently, total abstinence from tobacco is the
mainstay of treatment.
Aim: To determine the incidence, progression, etiology, impact of seasonal variations on admission, as well as,
presentations, and treatment outcomes at our tertiary health care hospital in Uttarakhand region.
Materials: Patients of Buerger's disease admitted to our Institute during January 2015 to December 2019, were included
in this study.
Methods: Retrospective analysis and study of 142 patients of Buerger's disease admitted at our institute.
Results: Most patients were males (97%), with mean age 38.6 years. The incidence & total TAO admission were overall
decreasing during these years. Trends showed that eighty two (58%) patients were admitted between months of
November to February (cold weather), while least in summers (15%). More than 50% were severe smokers (>30 bidi /
cigarette per day). Pain in limbs was present in 77.4% cases. Major amputations were done in (12) 8% cases, while digital
/ finger / forefoot amputations in 31.69% / 3.52% / 10.58.% cases respectively. Lumbar sympathectomy was done in
twelve cases. The median requirement of analgesic (opioids) by intravenous & oral route was 10 & 12 doses initially, &
mean VAS score on day-1, 5 & 10 was 6.4, 4.1 & 2.9 respectively.
Conclusion: We conclude that incidence of TAO overall shows a decreasing trend, with better health practices.
Admissions peak in the cold season, along with complaints related to painful / ulcerated limbs, with a strong association
with tobacco abuse. Complete stopping of tobacco can halt further progression of TAO.
Buerger’s disease in female: rare case report
