Introduction: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) or Buerger's disease is a non-atherosclerotic, inflammatory arteritis involving small and medium-sized arteries and veins of the extremities, often causing gangrene and scarring. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may predispose to both arterial and venous thromboembolic complications. This study examined the relationship between COVID-19 infection and Buerger's disease-related amputations.
Materials and Methods: Between January 2018 and July 2023, 54 patients who applied to our clinic for Buerger's disease and were followed up and treated were analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up information, demographic data of patients (age, gender, body mass index (BMI), education status), when they were diagnosed, amount of smoking (pack/year), all treatments applied for Buerger's disease (Pre-Covid – Covid period – Covid Afterwards), presence or absence of limb amputation, continued smoking, medications, cardiovascular risk factors, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Venous Thromboembolic Event (Pulmonary Embolism), Covid-19 History and vaccination information were noted.
Results: The mean age of 54 patients included in the study was 38.1 (27-49), all male. The mean smoking rate was 32 (16 - 60) packs/year, and the mean exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus was 1.22 (0-4) times. There was a significant correlation between major amputations due to Buerger's disease and age, severity of COVID-19 disease, and systemic hypertension (p
Key words: Buerger Disease, COVID-19 Disease, Amputation, Hypertension
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