Which demographic is most commonly associated with Buerger's disease?

Buerger's disease, also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is primarily associated with young male smokers. This condition predominantly affects individuals under the age of 45, and the strong correlation with tobacco use is a defining characteristic. Smoking is believed to trigger an inflammatory response in the blood vessels, particularly in the small and medium-sized arteries and veins of the arms and legs.

Young males are particularly at risk due to higher rates of smoking in this demographic, which exacerbates the vascular damage seen in Buerger's disease. The disease presents with symptoms such as claudication, pain, and ulceration, and it tends to progress rapidly if the patients do not stop smoking.

In contrast, other demographics listed, such as older females who are non-smokers or middle-aged males with diabetes, do not reflect the typical profile seen with Buerger's disease. While collagen vascular diseases and peripheral vascular issues may present in older adults or those with comorbidities like diabetes, they are distinct from the specific pathology associated with Buerger's disease. Therefore, the association of this condition with young male smokers is a critical aspect to recognize in the context of its epidemiology and pathogenesis.