What condition is indicated by Raynaud symptoms, digital ulceration, and claudication in a young heavy smoker?

Buerger disease, also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is a condition closely associated with Raynaud symptoms, digital ulceration, and claudication, particularly in young heavy smokers. This disease is characterized by segmental, inflammatory vasculitis that affects the small- and medium-sized arteries and veins, predominantly in the extremities.

The association with smoking is critical, as Buerger disease primarily occurs in individuals who smoke or chew tobacco, and cessation of tobacco use can dramatically improve symptoms. The symptoms arise from the occlusion of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow and resulting in the classic manifestations: Raynaud phenomenon (cold-induced vasospasm), painful ulcerations on fingers or toes due to poor peripheral circulation, and claudication (limb pain associated with exercise due to inadequate blood supply).

In contrast, while peripheral artery disease shares some symptoms related to poor blood flow, it typically occurs in older adults and is primarily linked to atherosclerosis rather than inflammatory vasculitis. Raynaud's phenomenon by itself refers to the vasospasm of small blood vessels, which does not encompass ulcerations or claudication. Chronic venous insufficiency primarily affects the venous system rather than the arterial system and is associated