Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger's Disease) in a Cigarette Factory Worker: A Case Report

Abstract

Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease) is an occlusive vascular disease of unknown etiology. It occurs predominantly in male heavy cigarette smokers. The relationship between heavy cigarette smoking and Buerger's disease has been well established and emphasized by many authors. Only rare cases of this disease in nonsmokers have been reported. The authors report a case of Buerger's disease in a cigarette factory worker. The course of disease in this patient suggests that the tobacco-rich environment and the handling of large quantities of tobacco on a daily basis was the main factor triggering the disease process.