GENETICS OF POPULATION, IMMUNOLOGICAL EVA LUATION AND BUERGERS-DISEASE - PROJECTION THROUGH A PERSONAL STUDY INCLUDING 127 CASES OF EARLY-ONSET ARTERITIS

The analysis of anamnestic, clinical and arteriographic parameters in 127 young patients with arterial disease of the lower limbs allowed a definite distinction between thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) and earl y-onset atheroma, even if the etiopathogeny of TAO is still obscure. T he HLA gene frequency has been determined in 54 patients (14 TAO, 40 e arly atheroma) and has been compared with local blood donors and with caucased subjects from the IXth Workshop. The results (higher frequenc y of HLA A28, A(x), B53 and B(x) in the TAO group) have, however, a du bious significance. Furthermore, there were no differences between TAO and early atheroma in a comparative study of immunological parameters (anti-nuclear antibodies, circulating immune complexes, C3, C4 and CH 50, cryoglobulin) in 72 patients (22 TAO, 50 early atheroma). So, neit her a genetic predisposition nor a dysimmunity could be involved in th e pathogenesis of TAO.