thromboangiitis obliterans thromboangiitis o·blit·er·ans (ə-blĭt'ə-rānz')
n.
Inflammation of the medium-sized arteries and veins, especially of the legs, that is associated with thrombotic occlusion and that commonly results in ischemia and gangrene. Also called Buerger's disease, Winiwarter-Buerger disease.
thromboangiitis obliterans
inflammation of the peripheral arteries primarily, which occurs chiefly in men from adolescence to middle age. The cause is unknown but may be hypersensitivity, especially to tobacco, because affected persons are often heavy smokers. As in peripheral arteriosclerosis, the disease causes intermittent lameness and pain during periods of rest. Buerger's disease may eventually block arteries and cause gangrene. Some authorities classify the disease as atherosclerosis.
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