Proximal superficial femoral artery occlusion, collateral vessels, and walking performance in peripheral artery disease

Objectives We studied associations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-measured superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusions with functional performance, leg symptoms, and collateral vessel number in peripheral artery disease (PAD). We studied associations of collateral vessel number with functional performance in PAD. Background Associations of MRI-detected SFA occlusion and collateral vessel number with functional performance among individuals with PAD have not been reported. Methods A total of 457 participants with an ankle brachial index (ABI) Results Adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidities, and other confounders, the presence of an SFA occlusion was associated with poorer 6-min walk performance (1,031 vs. 1,169 feet, p = 0.006), slower fast-paced walking velocity (1.15 vs. 1.22 m/s, p = 0.042), and lower SPPB score (9.07 vs. 9.75, p = 0.038) compared with the absence of an SFA occlusion. More numerous collateral vessels were associated with better 6-min walk performance (0 to 3 collaterals—1,064 feet, 4 to 7 collaterals—1,165 feet, ≥8 collaterals—1,246 feet, p trend = 0.007), faster usual-paced walking speed (0 to 3 collaterals—0.84 m/s, 4 to 7 collaterals—0.88 m/s, ≥8 collaterals—0.91 m/s, p trend = 0.029), and faster rapid-paced walking speed (0 to 3 collaterals—1.17 m/s, 4 to 7 collaterals—1.22 m/s, ≥8 collaterals—1.29 m/s, p trend = 0.002), adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidities, ABI, and other confounders. Conclusions Among PAD participants, MRI-visualized occlusions in the proximal SFA are associated with poorer functional performance, whereas more numerous collaterals are associated with better functional performance. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Identify Characteristics of Plaque Build-Up in People With Peripheral Arterial Disease; NCT00520312 )