Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors in peripheral artery disease:A review of efficacy,safety,and outcomes

Peripheral artery disease(PAD)is a common condition characterized by atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries,associated with concomitant coronary and cerebrovascular diseases.Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)inhibitors are a class of drugs that have shown potential in hypercholesterolemic patients.This review focuses on the efficacy,safety,and clinical outcomes of PCSK9 inhibitors in PAD based on the literature indexed by PubMed.Trials such as FOURIER and ODYSSEY demonstrate the efficacy of evolocumab and alirocumab in reducing cardiovascular events,offering a potential treatment option for PAD patients.Safety evaluations from trials show few adverse events,most of which are injection-site reactions,indicating the overall safety profile of PCSK9 inhibitors.Clinical outcomes show a reduction in cardiovascular events,ischemic strokes,and major adverse limb events.However,despite these positive findings,PCSK9 inhibitors are still underutilized in clinical practice,possibly due to a lack of awareness among care providers and cost concerns.Further research is needed to establish the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors in PAD patients.

Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in Hypertensive Black Patients: Ankle-Brachial Index in a Senegalese Primary Care Setting

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) poses a significant health concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its prevalence is increasing. [1] Despite its significance, there is limited understanding of PAD among hypertensive patients in this region, highlighting a critical gap in knowledge. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PAD and associated factors in black hypertensive patients. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over two years at a primary care center in Senegal using their ankle-brachial index (ABI) database. Data collection was strictly retrospective, and sociodemographic characteristics and clinical parameters were retrieved from the local patient database. We included all hypertensive patients who had benefited from an ABI. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 18.0 software program. Results: Among the 220 hypertensive patients enrolled, PAD prevalence was 35%. Significant associations were observed between PAD occurrence and older age (>75 years, p = 0.008) and triple therapy (p = 0.015). Multivariate analysis confirmed age >75 years as a strong predictor of PAD in hypertensive patients (p = 0.01, OR = 4.6). Furthermore, PAD prevalence increased with the severity of hypertension (p = 0.03), emphasizing the need for targeted screening strategies in this population. Conclusion: Despite its limits, this study underscores the urgent need for improved access to healthcare services and tailored screening programs. The findings highlight the growing burden of PAD in Sub-Saharan Africa and the essential role of early detection and intervention, particularly in high-risk populations such as hypertensive individuals. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders are crucial to implement effective interventions and reduce the impact of PAD on population health outcomes.

Nerve growth factor in muscle afferent neurons of peripheral artery disease and autonomic function

In peripheral artery disease patients,the blood supply directed to the lower limbs is reduced.This results in severe limb ischemia and thereby enhances pain sensitivity in lower limbs.The painful perception is induced and exaggerate during walking,and is relieved by rest.This symptom is termed by intermittent claudication.The limb ischemia also amplifies autonomic responses during exercise.In the process of pain and autonomic responses originating exercising muscle,a number of receptors in afferent nerves sense ischemic changes and send signals to the central nervous system leading to autonomic responses.This review integrates recent study results in terms of perspectives including how nerve growth factor affects muscle sensory nerve receptors in peripheral artery disease and thereby alters responses of sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure to active muscle.For the sensory nerve receptors,we emphasize the role played by transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1,purinergic P2X purinoceptor 3 and acid sensing ion channel subtype 3 in amplified sympathetic nerve activity responses in peripheral artery disease.

Control of modifiable risk factors and major adverse cardiovascular events in people with peripheral artery disease and diabetes

BACKGROUND People with diabetes and peripheral artery disease(PAD)have a high risk of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE).Prior research suggests that medical therapies aimed to control modifiable risk factors are poorly implemented in patients with PAD.AIM To examine the association between the control of modifiable risk factors,estimated by the novel PAD-medical score,and the incidence of MACE in people with PAD and diabetes.METHODS Participants were recruited from out-patient clinics if they had a diagnosis of both PAD and diabetes.Control of reversible risk factors was assessed by a new composite measure,the PAD-medical score.This score takes into account the control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,blood pressure,blood glucose,smoking and prescription of an anti-platelet.Participants were followed to record incidence of myocardial infarction,stroke and cardiovascular death(MACE).The association of PAD-medical score with MACE was assessed using Cox proportional hazard analyses adjusting for age,sex and prior history of ischemic heart disease and stroke.RESULTS Between 2002 and 2020,a total of 424 participants with carotid artery disease(n=63),aortic or peripheral aneurysm(n=121)or lower limb ischemia(n=240)were prospectively recruited,and followed for a median duration(inter-quartile range)of 2.0(0.2–4.4)years.Only 33(7.8%)participants had the optimal PAD-medical score of five,with 318(75%)scoring at least three out of five.There were 89(21.0%)participants that had at least one MACE during the follow-up period.A one-unit higher PAD-medical score was associated with lower risk of MACE(HR=0.79,95%CI:0.63-0.98)after adjusting for other risk factors.CONCLUSION The PAD-medical score provides a simple way to assess the control of modifiable risk factors targeted by medical management aimed to reduce the incidence of MACE.

Management of traumatic peripheral artery pseudoaneurysm:A 10-year experience at a single center

Purpose: This study aimed to report our 10-year experience with the management of iatrogenic(penetrating trauma) and traumatic(blunt or penetrating trauma) peripheral artery pseudoaneurysms, based on data from a tertiary referral center.Methods: From January 2012 to December 2021, the medical records of consecutive patients with iatrogenic and traumatic peripheral artery pseudoaneurysms were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, clinical features, imaging data, treatment details, and follow-up results were analyzed.Results: Sixty-one consecutive patients were included in this study;48(79%) were men and 13(21%) women,with a mean age of 49.4 ± 13.4 years(range 24–73 years). There were 42 patients(69%) who underwent open surgery, 18(29%) undergoing endovascular embolization or stent implantation, and one(2%) undergoing ultrasound-guided thrombin injection. All patients successfully underwent open or interventional treatment. The median follow-up was 46.8 months(2.5–117.9 months), and the overall reintervention rate was 10%. Of these,one(5%) patient in the interventional treatment group and five(12%) patients in the open surgery group underwent reintervention. The overall complication rate was 8%, with complications occurring only in the open surgery group. No deaths occurred in the peri-operative period. No late complications, such as thrombosis or pseudoaneurysm recurrence, were observed.Conclusion: Peripheral artery pseudoaneurysms arising from iatrogenic or traumatic causes can be effectively treated by both open surgery and interventional procedures in selected patients with acceptable mid-and long-term outcomes.

A cross-sectional study on coronary artery disease diagnosis in patients with peripheral artery disease

Purpose:Compared with healthy individuals,patients with peripheral artery disease(PAD)generally have a very high risk of subclinical Coronary artery disease(CAD)and cardiovascular events.To determine the correlation between CAD in PAD patients,thereby promoting the lifetime of PAD patients and reducing the serious impacts of CAD.Methods:This clinical-based cross-sectional study comprised 100 consecutive patients in India from 2014 to 2016.In this research,PAD patients were screened for CAD by treadmill stress test and cardiac colour Doppler examination.In addition,this study performed coronary angiography followed by peripheral angiography for patients who could not perform the treadmill test.Results:With the statistical results,the study observed a high prevalence of CAD in PAD patients that can be detected only with angiography.Further,30.93%of asymptomatic CAD prevalence was observed in PAD patients.The study strengthens the need for coronary angiography in all symptomatic lower limb PAD cases to detect early CAD,particularly in patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia.Conclusion:There exists a strong correlation between PAD and CAD.Hence,precise diagnosis followed by supervision of PAD patients is significant for avoiding local progression of cardiovascular risk.

New Approach to Measuring the Ankle and Toe Brachial Indices as New Markers for Early Detection of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease

Background: Lower extremity Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis, or Plaque buildup, that reduces the blood flow to the legs and feet. PAD affects approximately 230 million adults worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and leg amputation. The first-line method for diagnosis of PAD is the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), which is the ratio of ankle to brachial higher systolic pressure measured in ankles and arms. The Toe Brachial Index (TBI), which is the ratio of the toe systolic pressure to brachial higher systolic pressure measured in both arms, is considered to be an alternative to the ABI in screening for PAD. The ABI and TBI are measured on the right and left side, and the lower of these numbers is the patient’s overall ABI and TBI. Clinical studies and meta-analysis reviews have shown that the conventional ABI measurement, which uses a cuff, and handheld sphygmomanometer and continuous-wave Doppler tracings, provides an acceptable-to-high specificity level but low sensitivity when compared with vascular color Doppler ultrasound, and/or angiography methods. Another study has shown that the TBI measurement has greater sensitivity but lower specificity than the ABI when compared with vascular color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic based on waveforms. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of the VasoPad System comparing its results to the vascular color doppler ultrasound waveforms. Materials and Methods: The VasoPad System is an automated device using the pulse wave method to measure the arms and ankles dorsalis and tibial posterior artery blood pressures, the photoplethysmography second derivative (PTGSD) to estimate the toe systolic pressure, a patented photoplethysmography (PTG) index marker and volume plethysmography via cuffs during deflation. Vascular Color Doppler ultrasound can diagnose stenosis through the direct visualization of atherosclerosis or plaques and through waveform analysis. The vascular color Doppler ultrasound provides 3 waveform types. The type 1, triphasic waveform is normal blood flow and no atherosclerosis or plaque, the type 2, diphasic waveform is seen when there are atherosclerosis plaques, but normal blood flow, and the type 3, monophasic waveform reflects stenosis with diameter reduction > 50%. Results: The sum of the overall ABI and TBI VasoPad values, called Sum of Brachial Indices (SBI), gave a specificity of 88.89% and sensitivity of 100% for detecting vascular color Doppler ultrasound biphasic and monophasic waveforms versus triphasic waveforms with a cutoff ≤ 1.36 (P Conclusion: The VasoPad was useful for detecting PAD, which is fully defined as having vessel stenosis > 50% (Doppler monophasic waveforms) but also early stage of atherosclerosis plaque of the lower extremities (Doppler biphasic waveforms). The VasoPad method provided a remarkable sensitivity of 100% and a specificity level similar to those of the conventional ABI test method compared with the vascular color Doppler ultrasound. In addition to being useful to screen and detect PAD, the VasoPad offers early detection of lower extremity atherosclerosis, with normal blood flow (Doppler biphasic waveforms), which could provide greater treatment options and thus reduce the overall number of lower extremity complications.

Specialty Balloons and Vessel Prepping in Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a global disease that affects more than 200 million individuals worldwide with an ever-increasing prevalence rate from year to year. Peripheral Artery Disease treatments include everything from lifestyle interventions to surgical revascularization or percutaneous angioplasty (PTA). Percutaneous Angioplasty (PTA) has become the primary treatment for this disease with the use of focal force and scoring balloons for vessel prepping. The practice of vessel prepping looks to limit the effect of angioplasty on vessel dissection and recoiling in the infrainguinal region during the treatment of plaque buildup in the vessel. Plaque morphology and rise in incidence of in-stent restenosis can determine which balloon device is best used when restoring a vessel. Some of the different brands we review in this chapter include Peripheral Cutting Balloons by Boston Scientific, Chocolate PTA by Medtronic, Angiosculpt balloon by Philips, and VascuTrak by BARD. In review of Angiosculpt balloon by Philips: The study concluded that the one-year data supports the notion that the AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon is an effective and safe treatment option for infrapopliteal, atherosclerotic lesions in patients with critical limb ischemia. Whereas: Peripheral cutting balloons (PCBs) by Boston Scientific have been used for in-stent restenosis, resistant lesions, small vessels, bifurcations, aortaostial lesions, and saphenous vein graft lesions. This chapter will discuss different focal force and scoring balloon devices available to treat different plaque morphology and usefulness for in-stent restenosis resolution. We will review the evidence associated with each brand of device and the factors that should be accounted for before making a decision on which to use for your patient.

Diabetes and peripheral artery disease:A review

Peripheral arterial disease(PAD)refers to partial or complete occlusion of the peripheral vessels of the upper and lower limbs.It usually occurs as part of systemic atherosclerosis in the coronary and cerebral arteries.The prevalence of PAD is expected to continue to increase in the foreseeable future owing to the rise in the occurrence of its major risk factors.Nonhealing ulcers,limb amputation and physical disability are some of its major complications.Diabetes mellitus(DM)remains a major risk for PAD,with DM patients having more than two-fold increased prevalence of PAD compared with the general population.The clinical presentation in people with DM also differs slightly from that in the general population.In addition,PAD in DM may lead to diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs),which precipitate hyperglycaemic emergencies and result in increased hospital admissions,reduced quality of life,and mortality.Despite the epidemiological and clinical importance of PAD,it remains largely under diagnosed and hence undertreated,possibly because it is largely asymptomatic.Emphasis has been placed on neuropathy as a cause of DFUs,however PAD is equally important.This review examines the epidemiology,pathophysiology and diagnosis of lower limb PAD in people with diabetes and relates these to the general population.It also highlights recent innovations in the management of PAD.

Ex vivo evaluation of IVUS-VH imaging and the role of plaque structure on peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease(PAD)results from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the arterial wall,can progress to severe ischemia and lead to tissue necrosis and limb amputation.We evaluated a means of assessing PAD mechanics ex vivo using ten human peripheral arteries with PAD.Pressure-inflation testing was performed at six physiological pressure intervals ranging from 10 to 200 mmHg.These vessels were imaged with IVUS-VH to determine plaque composition and change in vessel structure with pressure.Statistical analysis was performed to determine which plaque structures and distributions of these structures had the greatest influence on wall deformation.We found that fibrous plaque,necrotic core,and calcification had a statistically significant effect on all variables(p<0.05).The presence of large concentrations of fibrous plaque was linked to reduced vessel compliance and ellipticity,which could lead to stent fractures and restenosis.For the plaque distribution we found that clustered necrotic core increased overall compliance while clustered calcification decreased overall compliance.The effect of plaque distribution on vessel wall deformation must be considered equally important to plaque concentration.

The Application Value of Swan-Neck Microcatheter in Peripheral Vascular Interventional Therapy

Background and Objectives: Establishing a stable pathway is the basis for interventional surgery, and hyper-selected intubation has become the basic requirement for vascular intervention therapy. Super-selection intubation can not only significantly improve the efficacy of peripheral intervention treatment, but also greatly reduce surgical complications. However, during the treatment of peripheral vascular intervention (such as liver tumor arterial chemotherapy embolism, hemoptysis bronchial arterial embolism, gastrointestinal hemorrhagic gastrointestinal arterial embolism, etc.), vascular mutation is often large, and there are many branches, and the direction of blood flow is into the direction of blood flow, the horns are even reverse, and even the use of straight-headed microstructures will have difficulty interpolation difficulties or even failure, which increases the risk of surgery and affects safety treatment. To overcome this, pre-plasticized microcatheters have emerged, among which the InstantPass Swan-Neck Microstructure is a catheter with a head-end morphology similar to Cobra. Our research aims to explore the feasibility, safety, and technical advantages of the use of swan-neck microcatheter in peripheral vascular hyperboloid intubation. Materials and Methods: From January 2023 to March 2024, 31 patients with swan-neck microstructure were used in the peripheral vascular intervention therapy outside the hospital. Among them, there were 23 men and 8 women, aged 32 - 81 years old, an average (55 ± 13) years, and the average irradiation time was 35.1 ± 24.7 minutes. 10 cases of iodide oil arterial chemotherapy embolism, 7 cases of microspheres of hepatic arteries, 3 cases of gastric duodenal artery selective embolism, 3 cases of vein embolism with esophageal stomach, and 2 cases of sperm varicose vein embolism, 2 cases of selective embolism of the intestinal membrane, 2 cases of uterine arteries embolism, and 2 cases of renal arterial embolism. 11 of these patients switched to the swan-neck microstructure after using the straight-headed microstructure super-selective intubation. To analyze whether the swan-neck microcatheter is successfully transported to the target location, whether it can provide a satisfactory path for subsequent intravascular treatment, evaluate the surgery instant image results and complications related to the microstructure during the surgery period, analyze the angle of the target blood vessels and the main blood vessels, the target blood vessels, the target blood vessels, the relationship between the degree of pedestrian and the success rate of ultra-selective intubation, and summarize the indication of the application of the swan-neck microstructure in peripheral intervention therapy. Results: In this study, 31 patients used 31 swan-neck microcatheters, of which 22 (70.9%) target vascular and main blood vessels were ≤90˚;17 patients (54.8%) patients were curved and angulated;11 cases (35.5%) were after the failure of the superselective intubation of the straight-headed microstructure, the swan-neck microcatheter was successful after the failure;1 case (3.2%) patients with microstructure-related mezzanine occurred during surgery, and the complication rate of the perioperative ductation was 3.2%. All target lesions are finally successfully completed, and the success rate of surgical technology is 100%. Conclusion: Swan-neck microcatheters have a high success rate in superselective cannulation of peripheral blood vessels and perform well in vascular tortuosity and angulated lesions.

Carbon dioxide-angiography for patients with peripheral arterial disease at risk of contrast-induced nephropathy

Patients with peripheral arterial disease(PAD)and critical limb ischemia are at risk for limb amputation and require urgent management to restore blood flow.Patients with PAD often have several comorbidities,including chronic kidney disease,diabetes mellitus,and hypertension.Diagnostic and interventional angiography using iodinated contrast agents provides excellent image resolution but can be associated with contrast-induced nephropathy(CIN).The use of carbon dioxide(CO2)as a contrast agent reduces the volume of iodine contrast required for angiography and reduces the incidence of CIN.However,CO2 angiography has been underutilized due to concerns regarding safety and image quality.Modern CO2 delivery systems with advanced digital subtraction angiography techniques and hybrid angiography have improved imaging accuracy and reduced the incidence of CIN.Awareness of the need for optimal imaging conditions,contraindications,and potential complications have improved the safety of CO2 angiography.This review aims to highlight current technological advances in the delivery of CO2 in vascular angiography for patients with PAD and critical limb ischemia,which result in limb preservation while preventing kidney damage.

Endothelial impairment evaluation by peripheral arterial tonometry in pediatric endocrinopathies:A narrative review

Endothelial dysfunction(ED)is characterized by an imbalance between vasodilator and vasoconstriction agents.Several pathological conditions clinically diagnosed in childhood and adolescence are characterized by ED and increased risk for early development of microangiopathic and macroangiopathic impairment,in particular type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM),T2DM,obesity,metabolic syndromeand pituitary dysfunction associated to various endocrinopathies.More recently insulin resistance following chemotherapy or radiotherapy for tumors,bone marrow transplantation for hematological malignancies(i.e.,cancer survivors),or immunosuppressive treatment for solid organ transplantation has been observed.Assessment of ED by means of non-invasive techniques is the gold standard for early ED detection before clinical manifestation.It is aimed to recognize patients at risk and to avoid the development and progression of more serious illnesses.Reactive hyperemia-peripheral artery tonometry is a noninvasive technique to assess peripheral endothelial function by measuring modifications in digital pulse volume during reactive hyperemia,and represents a non-invasive,reproducible and operator-independent tool able to detect precocious ED.This narrative review aimed to provide an overview of the most important papers regarding ED detection by EndoPat 2000 in children and adolescents with different endocrine diseases.A comprehensive search of English language articles was performed in the MEDLINE database without using other search filters except the publication interval between 2005 and 2020.

Use of intravascular lithotripsy in non-coronary artery lesions

BACKGROUND Intravascular lithotripsy(IVL)is a novel technique increasingly used for plaque modification and endovascular revascularization in patients with severe calcification and peripheral artery disease.However,much of the available literature on IVL is focused on its use in coronary arteries,with relatively limited data on non-coronary artery use.AIM To analyze the safety and efficacy of current IVL use in non-coronary artery lesions,as reported in case reports and case series.METHODS We searched EMBASE,PubMed,and Reference Citation Analysis databases for case reports and case series on IVL use in peripheral artery disease.We then extracted variables of interest and calculated the mean and proportions of these variables.RESULTS We included 60 patients from 33 case reports/case series.Ninety-eight percent of the cases had IVL usage in only one blood vessel,while four had the IVL used in two vessels(2.0%),resulting in 64 Lesions treated with IVL.The mean age of the patients was 73.7(SD 10.9).IVL was successfully used in severe iliofemoral artery stenosis(51.6%),severe innominate,subclavian,and carotid artery stenosis(26.7%combined),and severe mesenteric vessel stenosis(9.4%).Additionally,IVL was successfully used in severe renal(7.8%)and aortic artery(4.7%)stenosis.There were complications in 12%of the cases,with dissection being the commonest.CONCLUSION IVL has successfully used in plaque modification and endovascular revascularization in severely calcified and challenging lesions in the iliofemoral,carotid,subclavian,aorta,renal,and mesenteric vessels.The most severe but transient complications were with IVL use in the aortic arch and neck arteries.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE IN DIABETIC PATIENTS OVER 50 YEARS OLD IN CHINA

Objective To investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in China type 2 diabetic patients and to demonstrate the relationships between putative risk factors and PAD. Methods In total 1 397 type 2 diabetic patients aged 50 years and older were enrolled and determined ankle-brachial index (ABI) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in 15 Class III Grade A hospitals in 7 major cities of China. Results Mean patient age was 63.7±8.2 years and mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 9.39±7.4 years. Two hundreds and seventy-two (19.47%) patients were diagnosed as PAD by ABI <0.9, 122 (18.37%) in male and 150 (20.46%) in female. PAD patients had a significantly longer duration of diabetes mellitus, higher hemoglobin Alc, and a significantly lower mean body mass index than non-PAD ones. Aging, smoking, and systolic blood pressure were found to be positively related with the prevalence of PAD. In terms of lipid profiles, no variable was found to relate with PAD. Notably, baPWV showed as the same significant guiding index for PAD, almost matched with ABI. Conclusions PAD is a common complication in China type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, PAD screening and treatment should be emphasized for diabetic patients with high risk factors.

Association between Free Triiodothyronine Levels and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Euthyroid Participants

This current cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between thyroid hormones and peripheral artery disease （PAD） among euthyroid Chinese population aged 40 years and above. Serum free triiodothyronine （FT3）, free thyroxin （FT4）, thyroid-stimulating hormone （TSH）, and thyroid antibodies were measured.

Peripheral interventions and antiplatelet therapy: Role in current practice

Peripheral arterial disease(PAD) is a common disorder associated with a high risk of cardiovascular mortality and continues to be under-recognized. The major risk factors for PAD are similar to those for coronary and cerebrovascular disease. Management includes exercise program, pharmacologic therapy and revascularization including endovascular and surgical approach. The optimal revascularization strategy, endovascular or surgical intervention, is often debated due to the paucity of head to head randomized controlled studies. Despite significant advances in endovascular interventions resulting in increased utilization over surgical bypass, significant challenges still remain. Platelet activation and aggregation after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of atherosclerotic arteries are important risk factors for re-occlusion/restenosis and life-threatening thrombosis following endovascular procedures. Antiplatelet agents are commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and death from cardiovascular causes in patients with PAD. Despite an abundance of data demonstrating efficacy of antiplatelet therapy in coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, there is a paucity of clinical information, clinical guidelines and randomized controlled studies in the PAD population. Hence, data on antiplatelet therapy in coronary interventions is frequently extrapolated to peripheral interventions. The aim of this review article is to elucidate the current data on revascularization and the role and duration of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in re-vascularized lower limb PAD patients.

An evaluation of the arterial occlusions in peripheral arterial disease by 64-detector multi-slice CT angiography: DSA correlation

Objective: Evaluation of peripheral arterial disease with 64-detector multi-slice CT angiography (MDCT- A) and comparison of the results with the results of digital subtraction angiography (DSA), a standard reference. Materials and Method: The written informed consent of the patients and ethics committee approval were obtained. The retrospective study group consisted of 28 patients with a diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. Using 64-MDCT-A, the arterial tree of the lower extremity was evaluated for the presence of steno-occlusive lesions that might have led to luminal stenosis. The diagnostic reliability of 64-MDCT- A was calculated and compared with that of DSA. Findings: In the segment-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability rates of 64-MDCT angiography in determining significant stenoses were 97.7%, 97%, and 97.3%, respectively. The Kappa co-efficiency for compatibility between 64-MDCT-A and DSA methods in grading stenosis was calculated as 0.896

Transplantation of mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells for peripheral arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremity

Objectives To assess the clinical efficacy,safety,and feasibility of autologous transplantation of mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMNCs)for patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease(PAOD)of the lower extremity.Methods A total of 152 patients with PAOD of the lower extremity were enrolled into this non-controlled observational study from November 2003 to March 2006.All patients received subcutaneous injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF,450-600μg/day)for 5 days in order to mobilize stem/progenitor cells;their PBMNCs were collected and transplanted by multiple intramuscular injections into ischemic limbs.Patients were followed up for at least 12 weeks.Results At 12 weeks,primary manifestations,including lower limb pain and coldness,were significantly improved in 137(90.1%)of the patients;limb ulcers improved or healed in 46(86.8%)of the 53 patients,while 25 of the 48(47.9%)patients with limb gangrene remained steady or improved.Ankle-brachial index(ABI)improved in 33(22%)of the cases,and TcPO_(2) increased in 45(30%)of the cases.Angiography before treatment,and at 12 weeks after treatment,was performed in 10 of the patients and showed formation of new collateral vessels.No severe adverse effects or complications specifically related to cell transplantation were observed.Conclusion Autologous transplantation of G-CSF-mobilized PBMNCs might be a safe and effective treatment for lower limb ischemic disorder.

Peripheral arterial disease:leading us back to the heart

Peripheral arterial disease remains an afterthought among many clinicians, including specialists in cardiovascular diseases. In this issue, Sim et al.1……