Application of DCE-MRI in evaluating lower extremity capillary endothelial function in patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by peripheral vascular disease after PTA

Objective: To quantify endothelial function of lower extremity capillary in patients with peripheral vascular disease associated with diabetes mellitus by using DCE-MRI, and to explore the feasibility of DCE-MRI in predicting vascular restenosis in lower extremity after PTA. Methods: During the period form May 2009 to Jan. 2012, a total of 51 patients (study group) with diabetic lower extremity vascular diseases (77 diseased legs in total) were admitted to the hospital and were treated with PTA. Another 20 volunteers were used as control group. K-trans values were measured in soleus muscle using DCE-MRI. Based on the results after 6 months follow-up, the patients were classified into restenosis group and non-restenosis group. The K -trans values and others clinical data were compared between the two groups. Results: Although clinical symptoms and signs were improved in both groups after the treatment, K-trans value of restenosis group showed no obvious changes after PTA, while K-trans value of non-restenosis group was improved significantly. Before PTA, the difference in K -trans value between the two groups was not statistically significant, while K-trans values of the two groups were significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: K-trans value can reflect the endothelial function in diabetes mellitus patients with peripheral vascular disease, and it can also predict the occurrence of restenosis, providing a useful evidence for clinical. therapy. (authors)