Smita Sampath1, Mitchel Stacy2, Mark W. Maxfield2, Prasanta Pal, Donald P. Dione2, Albert J. Sinusas2
1Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States; 2Cardiology, Yale University
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a degenerative condition that can result in limb ischemia with associated limited mobility, and morbidity. Understanding the extent of hypoxia and regional vascular reserve may help identify treatment regimens that can improve long-term mobility in these patients. We present an investigative study that quantifies, using BOLD MRI, 1) tissue hypoxia and 2) functional vascular reserve in response to distal cuff occlusion and infusion of pharmacological vasodilatory agent, in a porcine animal model with hindlimb ischemia. Differential response between normal leg and ischemic leg are observed in select muscle groups.