There are characteristic pathologic findings of acute inflammation and thrombosis (clotting) of arteries and veins of the hands and feet (the lower limbs being more common). The mechanisms underlying Buerger's disease are still largely unknown, but smoking and tobacco consumption are major factors associated with it. It has been suggested that the tobacco may trigger an immune response in susceptible persons or it may unmask a clotting defect, either of which could incite an inflammatory reaction of the vessel wall. This eventually leads to vasculitis and ischemic changes in distal parts of limbs. A possible role for Rickettsia in this disease has been proposed.
Thromboangiitis obliterans
Polyarteritis nodosa
Arteriosclerosis obliterans
Livedoid vasculitis
Lupus vasculitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Takayasu's arteritis
Golfer's vasculitis