CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS OF THROMBOANGEITIS OBLITERANS

Abstract

Introduction: Thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as Buerger's disease, is a vasculitis of unknown etiology that mainly affects medium and small arteries, especially in the lower limbs. Characterized by inflammation and thrombosis, the disease leads to ischemia, pain and ulcerations, and may result in amputations. Understanding the clinical manifestations and surgical complications is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate management of these patients. Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize the available scientific evidence on the clinical manifestations and surgical complications of thromboangiitis obliterans, with the aim of contributing to improving the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methodology: The PRISMA protocol was used to conduct this systematic review. Searches were performed in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: "thromboangiitis obliterans", "Buerger's disease", "clinical manifestations", "surgical complications", "vasculitis". The search was restricted to articles published in the last 10 years. Original studies describing the clinical manifestations and surgical complications of thromboangiitis obliterans in adults were included. Review studies, isolated cases, animal studies, and those not available in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were excluded. Results: The search resulted in a total of 18 articles. The main findings of this review indicated that the most common clinical manifestations of thromboangiitis obliterans include intermittent claudication, rest pain, digital ulcerations, gangrene, and Raynaud's phenomenon. The most frequent surgical complications were related to poor wound healing, infections, thrombosis, and thromboembolism. Smoking cessation emerged as the most important factor for disease control and prevention of complications. Conclusion: Thromboangiitis obliterans is a complex disease with varied clinical manifestations and a high risk of complications, especially in patients who do not quit smoking. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment, including smoking cessation and management of complications, are essential to improve the prognosis of patients. The results of this systematic review may assist health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans, contributing to improving the quality of life of these patients.