Thrombangiitis obliterans

Thrombangiitis obliterans (Buerger disease) is a rare vascular disease, cha racterized by a multilocular, segmental, non-arteriosclerotic, thrombotic i nflammation of small and medium size arterial and venous vessels and nerves . The precise etiology is unknown, but there is a cause-effect relationship with tobacco smoking. Autoimmunological, immunogenetical, infectious and h emostatic processes have been discussed as pathogenetic factors. The clinic al picture is typically characterized by acrally localized, non-healing ulc erations, which frequently prompt patients to see a dermatologist. We prese nt two patients with thromboangiitis obliterans and discuss the clinical fe atures, the resulting differential diagnostic spectrum and possible therape utic approaches.