Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans): clinical features and assessment by colour duplex ultrasound

Buerger's disease is a progressive, nonatherosclerotic, segmental inflammatory vasoocclusive disease of unknown aetiology1-9, affecting the small and medium sized arteries, veins and nerves and is often bilateral5-7. The normal structure of the vessel wall is usually preserved, including the internal elastic lamina and media. Buerger's disease predominantly affects male cigarette smokers1-3,8 with 11%-23% of disease distribution in females6-7. Buerger's disease remains largely a clinicopathologic entity highlighting the importance of the sonographer's role to obtain a comprehensive clinical history and clinical examination. The combination of clinical assessment and the distinctive appearance of vessels affected by Bueger's disease on colour duplex ultrasound provide a useful tool for correct diagnosis.