Buerger'S Disease (Thromboangitis Obliterans) : Description
Buerger'S Disease (Thromboangitis Obliterans) : Description
Buerger'S Disease (Thromboangitis Obliterans) : Description
(Thromboangitis Obliterans)
DESCRIPTION
Buergers disease is characterized by recurring
inammation of the intermediate and small arteries and
veins of the lower and (in rare cases) upper extremities. It
results in thrombus formation and occlusion of the vessels.
It is differentiated from other vessel diseases by its
microscopic appearance. Buergers disease is believed to be an
autoimmune disease that results in occlusion of distal vessels.
The cause of Buergers disease is unknown, but it is believed to
be an autoimmune vasculitis. It occurs most often in men
between the ages of 20 and 35 years, and it has been reported in
all races and in many areas of the world. There is considerable evidence that heavy
smoking or chewing of tobacco is a causative or an
aggravating factor (Frost-Rude et al., 2000). Generally, the
lower extremities are affected, but arteries in the upper
extremities or viscera can also be involved. Buergers disease
is generally bilateral and symmetric with focal lesions
ASSESSMENT
ramps
alf and foot claudification especially after exercise
yanosis
old sensitivity
hilling
onstant digital rest pain
lubbing of fingers
DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS
Contrast Angiography- is performed to demonstrate the diseased portion of
the anatomy
Duplex Ultrasonography- is used to document patency of the proximal vessels
and to visualize the extent of distal disease.
Segmental Limb Blood - are taken to demonstrate the distal location of the
lesions or occlusions
NURSING MANAGEMENT
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Regional Sympathetic Block/Ganglionectomy- may be useful in some instances to
produce vasodilation and increase blood ow.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
Toe Amputation/Transmetatarsal Amputation
If gangrene of a toe develops as a result of arterial occlusive disease in the
leg