[THROMBOANGIITIS OBLITERANS (BUERGER'S DISEASE)].

To day there appears to be a consensus to recognize thromboangiftis obliterans (Buerger's disease) as a distinct clinical and pathological entity, characterized by an inflammatory occlusive vasculitis of the small and medium-sized arteries and veins that affects young adult smokers. The strong link with smoking is one of the unique features of thromboangiitis obliterans. Once the disease has became established stepping smoking is the only effective way to prevent evolution of the disease and to reduce the risk of major amputations.