The angiographic appearance of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) in the abdominal visceral vessels

The angiographic features of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) in the coeliac arteries, the superior mesenteric artery and its branches have been presented in a case proved by operation and histopathology. It was found that the angiographic appearance of the disease in the splanchnic arteries was similar to that seen in the peripheral arteries of the extremities: dilatation with progressive attenuation of the involved arteries with narrowing of the lumen towards the point of occlusion; extensive collateral system originating in the involved arteries; obliteration of discontinuous portions of the arterial branches and collaterals due to segmental recanalization appearing as corkscrew tortuosity. The differentiation of the disease from other occlusive vascular lesions, particularly atherosclerosis, has been briefly discussed. The conclusion has been drawn, that in patients suffering from thromboangiitis obliterans and presenting abdominal symptoms or signs, angiography of the abdominal visceral vessels should be performed to demonstrate the presence and extent of the disease, thus giving the patient a chance of reconstructive surgery.