2. “Thromboangitis Obliterans is a distinctive
disease that leads to vascular insufficiency,
characterised by segmental, thrombosing,
acute and chronic inflammation of medium
sized and small arteries and sometimes
secondarily extending into the veins and
nerves”.
Leo Berger, 1879-1943,
Professor of Urology, NYPMS, NY, USA,
Described TAO in 1908
3. RISK FACTORS:
• CIGARETTE SMOKING:
– Most consistent aspect of this disorder.
– Hypersensitivity to intradermally injected tobacco
extracts.
– Increased prevalence of HLA-A9 and HLA-B5 in
these patients
– Common in India, Japan & Israel pointing to its
genetic influences!.
• SEX
4.
5. MORPHOLOGY:
• Sharply segmental acute and chronic vasculitis
of medium and small arteries.
MICROSCOPY:
• Inflammation permeates the arterial walls.
• Thrombosis of the lumen.
• May undergo organisation or recanalisation.
• Thrombus contains microabscesses.
• Characteristic migratory recurrent superficial
phlebitis.
6.
7. CLINICAL FEATURES
• The patient generally complains of pain while
walking at the arch of the foot.
• Onset – Age: 20 -40 yrs. Spontaneous and
gradual
• Intermittent claudication, which progresses to
‘rest pain’.
• Swelling redness and slight pain
• Postural dependency Trophic changes
Ulceration Gangrene.
• DD: Raynaud’s disease, Senile gangrene
