Are flow-mediated vasodilatation and intima-media thickness of the brachial artery associated with restenosis after endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease?

Abstract

Restenosis after percutaneous angioplasty of peripheral arteries is still an unsolved matter. Previous studies reported an association between flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), a marker of endothelial dysfunction, and restenosis after coronary angioplasty. This study evaluates the influence of FMD and brachial intima-media thickness (B-IMT) on restenosis after angioplasty of peripheral arteries. One hundred and eighty-four patients (124 male) with claudication related to peripheral arterial disease participated in this trial. FMD and B-IMT were assessed before endovascular revascularisation. In a 12-month follow-up duplex ultrasound examinations were performed to detect restenosis. Finally 128 patients (91male, 37 female) were eligible for statistical analysis. Restenosis was found in 54 patients (42.2%). Mean FMD was 3.53 ± 3.56%, with no difference between the patients with restenosis (3.55 ± 3.64%) and those without (3.52 ± 3.48%; p = 0.716). B-IMT had a mean value of 0.326 ± 0.134 mm. B-IMT significantly differed between the patients with restenosis (0.326 ± 0.134 mm) and those without (0.256 ± 0.133 mm; p = 0.007). We confirmed that a B-IMT over 0.21 mm was an independent risk factor for restenosis [OR 2.9 (1.3-6.3)]. Endothelial dysfunction is not associated with restenosis. Conversely patients with enlarged B-IMT are at risk of restenosis after angioplasty of peripheral arteries.