Study on MRI-Based Muscle Perfusion (H-27853)

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis, occurs in approximately 12 percent of the adult population and affects about 8 million to 10 million people in the United States. These patients are at a significantly higher risk of death compared to healthy controls of a similar age. The most common cardiovascular risk factors for coronary artery and PAD include smoking, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and abnormalities of homocysteine metabolism. Several therapeutic techniques currently exist for the treatment of PAD in the lower extremities. Surgical revascularization is a viable alternative because the associated risks of periprocedural mortality and morbidity are low, even at an early stage. In addition, PTA (percutaneous angioplasty) procedures have favorable complication and long-term patency rates which have improved with the advent of endovascular stents.

The effect of revascularization on muscle perfusion is not well understood or considered. Clinically, a certain percentage of patients seem not to improve despite good revascularization. We believe tracking the rate of change in muscle perfusion in PAD patients may provide important information about the progression or regression of disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for non-invasive detection of changes in skeletal muscle and soft-tissue.This study quantifies MRI- based muscle perfusion and it could potentially lead to a better understanding of PAD progression. Ultimately, it might be helpful for the assessment when a surgical procedure considered for the treatment of PAD.

Inclusion:
Age 18 – 64
Patients with symptoms of intermittent claudication
Patients who are candidates for lower extremity revascularization.

Exclusion:
Patients with non-atherosclerosis disease responsible for claudicationUnstable cardiac disease
History of pancreatitis
Chronic hepatic disease
Patients has an implant which would exclude MRI testing (for example: pacemaker, insulin pump,etc.)
Patient is a past recipient of a cardiac, kidney, liver, lung, or other organ transplant. (Skin grafts are acceptable).