Restenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in the Femoropopliteal Segment: The Role of Inflammation

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the value of baseline C-reactive protein (CPR), fibrinogen, and white blood cell (WBC) counts in predicting 1-year patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the femoropopliteal segment. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 168 consecutive patients (103 men; median age 70 years, interquartile range 61–77) who underwent successful PTA of the femoral and/or popliteal arteries were analyzed. Twelve-month patency was evaluated using oscillography, ankle brachial index, duplex sonography, and angiography. The predictive value of inflammatory markers was assessed in a multivariate model controlling for cardiovascular risk factors, technical success, and hemodynamic factors. Results: Transient WBC elevation was found 6 hours after PTA, but this returned to baseline after 24 hours. Fibrinogen was elevated at 24 hours. Duplex scanning disclosed restenosis in 66 (39%) patients within the first 12 months after PTA. Only residual postdilation stenosis (≥30%) in the target segment (odds ratio 3.6, p=0.001) and baseline CRP levels (odds ratio 4.2, p=0.02) were independent predictors of outcome; neither WBC counts nor fibrinogen levels at any time point was associated with restenosis. Conclusions: Primary technical success and postinterventional hemodynamic flow at the dilated segment seem to be more important for intermediate-term patency than atherogenic risk factors. The predictive value of preprocedural serum CRP levels on restenosis should be further investigated.