Buerger Disease

Diagnosis of Buerger Disease

There is no single test to confirm Buerger disease. Doctors rely on a combination of symptom evaluation, medical history, and specialized tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Tests for Buerger disease may include:

• Blood Tests: To check for diabetes, clotting disorders, or autoimmune diseases like lupus or scleroderma.

• Artery Examination: Using blood pressure cuffs, ultrasound, or Doppler imaging to assess blood flow in hands and feet.

• CT or MRI Angiography: Imaging tests that show blood flow in arteries, often with a contrast dye for clearer results.

• Angiogram: An invasive test where a catheter and contrast dye highlight blockages in small blood vessels of hands and feet.

Mayo Clinic experts specialize in the care and diagnosis of Buerger disease and related vascular conditions.

Treatment for Buerger Disease

There is no cure for Buerger disease, but symptoms can be managed and progression slowed. The most effective treatment is complete cessation of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping, and marijuana. Even one cigarette a day can worsen the condition.

Steps for managing Buerger disease:

1. Quitting Tobacco:

• Work with your healthcare provider on smoking cessation programs.

• Nicotine replacement products are not recommended because nicotine worsens blood vessel inflammation.

• In severe cases, residential programs help patients stop tobacco use completely.

2. Medications:

• Blood flow improvement: Certain blood pressure medicines may enhance circulation.

• Pain and ulcer care: Medicines may be prescribed to manage pain or heal skin sores.

• Antiplatelets: Aspirin can prevent blood clots.

• Bosentan (Tracleer): Occasionally used in severe cases to improve blood flow.

3. Therapies:

• Compression therapy (intermittent pneumatic compression): A sleeve connected to a pump gently squeezes the affected area, boosting circulation without medication.

4. Surgery:

• In severe cases, amputation may be necessary if tissue dies due to lack of blood flow.

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

• Avoid all forms of tobacco.

• Monitor and manage symptoms early to prevent complications.

• Seek immediate care if ulcers, infections, or gangrene appear.

Early intervention and strict tobacco avoidance are critical to preventing serious complications in Buerger disease.