Which disease features segmental vasculitis and digital gangrene and is strongly associated with tobacco use?

Which disease features segmental vasculitis and digital gangrene and is strongly associated with tobacco use?

• A. Kawasaki disease
• B. Giant cell arteritis
• C. Buerger disease
• D. Polyarteritis nodosa

Answer: (C)

Buerger disease, or thromboangiitis obliterans, is defined by segmental vasculitis with occlusive thrombosis of small- and medium-sized arteries and veins in the extremities, which leads to ischemia and digital gangrene. A striking feature is its strong association with tobacco use, typically appearing in young smokers; smoking cessation can halt progression and improve symptoms. The inflammatory process often involves not only vessels but surrounding nerves and veins in the same region, explaining severe pain and tissue loss in the fingers and toes. Kawasaki disease presents in children with fever and mucocutaneous findings; giant cell arteritis occurs in older adults with temporal headaches and visual symptoms; polyarteritis nodosa involves systemic organ ischemia and abdominal pain but lacks the hallmark link to tobacco or the classic distal-digital gangrene pattern seen with Buerger disease.

Buerger disease, or thromboangiitis obliterans, is defined by segmental vasculitis with occlusive thrombosis of small- and medium-sized arteries and veins in the extremities, which leads to ischemia and digital gangrene. A striking feature is its strong association with tobacco use, typically appearing in young smokers; smoking cessation can halt progression and improve symptoms. The inflammatory process often involves not only vessels but surrounding nerves and veins in the same region, explaining severe pain and tissue loss in the fingers and toes.

Kawasaki disease presents in children with fever and mucocutaneous findings; giant cell arteritis occurs in older adults with temporal headaches and visual symptoms; polyarteritis nodosa involves systemic organ ischemia and abdominal pain but lacks the hallmark link to tobacco or the classic distal-digital gangrene pattern seen with Buerger disease.