THROMBOANGIITIS OBLITERANS

Abstract

Thromboangiitis obliterans is a clinical and pathologic entity characterized by peripheral arterial thromboses of obscure origin.¹On the basis of our investigative work, we have concluded that thromboangiitis obliterans in the majority of our cases is associated with the following factors: (1) changes in the blood; (2) disturbed tissue metabolism; (3) arterial and venous thromboses, which occur most frequently in the peripheral vessels but may occur in any part of the body, and (4) local infection in the involved extremity. Until the complex adjustments which compensate for pathologic conditions of the blood are better understood, it will be difficult to detect the disease before serious circulatory deficiency results from arterial thrombosis. Infection, infarcts or gangrene frequently directs attention to the circulatory disease. Various changes in the blood have been reported since Koga²first, in 1913, reported increased viscosity. In cases of acute involvement we have reported increased viscosity