Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger's Disease)

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a nonatherosclerotic segmental inflammatory obliterative disease that most commonly affects the small- and medium-sized arteries and veins in both upper and lower extremities. In the past, TAO was exclusively a disease confined to men; however, recently more women have been diagnosed with TAO. Most patients are heavy users of tobacco, and usually cigarette smokers.