Blood tests for other causes of vasculitis and inflammation may be done. Rarely, in cases where the diagnosis is unclear, a biopsy of the blood vessel is done.

Treatment:

There is no cure for thromboangiitis obliterans. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.

To prevent amputation, the patient must stop using tobacco and should avoid cold temperatures and other conditions that reduce circulation to the hands and feet.

Applying warmth and exercising gently may help increase circulation.

Cutting the nerves to the area (surgical sympathectomy) may help control pain. Aspirin and vasodilators may also used. Amputation of the extremity may be necessary if infection or extensive tissue death occurs.

Expectations (prognosis):

Symptoms of thromboangiitis obliterans may disappear if the person stops tobacco use. For some, amputation is unavoidable.

Complications:

Amputation

Gangrene (tissue death)

Loss of circulation beyond the affected extremity

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of thromboangiitis obliterans, if you have thromboangiitis obliterans and symptoms get worse despite treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

Prevention:

Those with a history of Raynaud's disease or thromboangiitis obliterans should avoid all tobacco use.