Arterial Imaging of Inflammation and Resolution After Endovascular Surgery

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging allows for non-invasive visualization of anatomical structures while Positron emission tomography (PET) scans allow for the observation of molecular and cellular activities. Using a PET/MRI in patients with vascular injury post intervention with help evaluate the vascular inflammatory and resolution response in vivo.

Acute vascular injury through endovascular intervention results in recruitment of inflammatory cells such as macrophages to the vessel wall. Macrophages are very metabolically active and consume glucose at a high rate. In PET/MRI, subjects are injected with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), a radioactively labeled glucose molecule which is consumed by macrophages.

When 18F-FDG is consumed, it is retained within macrophages more avidly than other atherosclerotic lesion elements. Thus, FDG-PET provides a unique and noninvasive approach to quantitatively measure macrophage activity at the intervention site.

This study will provide key pilot data for developing an imaging surrogate endpoint for pro-resolving mediator treatment intervention trials going forward.

Inclusion criteria

• Over the age of 40,
• With resting or exercise ABI <0.9, TBI <0.6
• Have claudication or limb threatening ischemia & planning to undergo a percutaneous angioplasty of SFA or popliteal artery, or stenting of the iliac artery or SFA.

Exclusion criteria

• Evidence of active infection
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to contrast agents
• Chronic liver disease, renal disease (GFR< 30) or chronic inflammatory disorders
• Insulin dependent diabetes
• Presence of metal within subject's body, pacemakers, or defibrillators
• BMI < 20 or >35
• Recent other major surgery or illness within 30 days
• Use of immunosuppressive medications or steroids
• History of organ transplantation
• Pregnancy, or plans to become pregnant, or lactating