Endothelial function in patients with critical and non-critical limb ischemia undergoing endovascular treatment

Background: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most advanced stage of peripheral arterial disease. CLI patients, compared to non-CLI, achieve worse treatment outcomes and generate higher costs.Aims: The aim of the study was to compare endothelial function and clinical outcomes in CLI and non-CLI patients after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).Methods: In this prospective, follow-up study, 30 CLI patients and 40 non-CLI patients underwent PTA. Endothelial function was assessed based on flow mediated dilatation (FMD), reactive-hyperemia index (RHI), while the ankle-brachial index, toe-brachial index and the Rutherford scale were used for peripheral artery disease progression evaluation. The results were assessed before PTA, as well as 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure.Results: There were no differences at the baseline regarding to endothelial function between both groups. Neither FMD nor RHI changed after PTA in any of the groups, although there was a difference in median RHI value between CLI and non-CLI patients regarding the 1st and 6th month of the follow-up (RHI6–RHI1 = 0.08 in CLI and –0.15 in non-CLI; P = 0.01). The larger baseline intima-media thickness (IMT) in the CLI group allowed to predict a greater number of re-intervention (P = 0.01) and major adverse event rates (P = 0.03). CLI patients presented larger decrease in the Rutherford scale compared to non-CLI (P <0.001).Conclusions: Baseline IMT was predictive for re-interventions and major adverse event rates. Although neither of groups exhibited significant changes in endothelial function, we proved differences between them regarding to changes in RHI.