Which symptom is commonly associated with thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger disease)?

Thromboangiitis obliterans, also known as Buerger disease, is characterized by recurrent inflammatory thrombus formation, primarily affecting the small and medium-sized arteries and veins of the limbs, particularly in young male smokers. A hallmark symptom of this condition is the burning pain that occurs after exposure to cold, which signifies vascular ischemia. This symptom is often brought on by cold temperatures due to the vasoconstrictive effect on already compromised blood vessels in the affected areas.

Patients with Buerger disease frequently experience pain in the extremities, which is a direct result of the compromised blood flow leading to ischemia. Unlike other conditions that cause claudication, the pain in Buerger disease is specifically related to cold exposure and does not typically present in the same manner as intermittent claudication, which is more commonly associated with peripheral arterial disease affecting the larger arteries.

The nature of the burning pain in response to cold highlights the unique pathophysiology of Buerger disease, making it a key symptom for diagnosis and differentiation from other vascular issues.