Aoife N. Keeling MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Peter A. Naughton MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Julian J. Tsang, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

William B. Duggan, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cathal P. Kelly, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Frank P. McGrath, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Austin L. Leahy, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

David H. Bouchier-Hayes, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Michael James Lee MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To determine the effect of peripheral PTA on the inflammatory cascade, as measured by hsCRP (high sensitivity CRP), and to establish whether this effect is short/long-term.

All patients undergoing peripheral PTA in the Interventional Radiology Department were included over six months from 01/07/07 to 31/12/06. Patients with co-existent inflammatory conditions or infection were excluded. hsCRP was determined before, 24 hours, 6 weeks and 6 months following PTA. At six months all patients were evaluated clinically, with ABI and peripheral MRA.

67 patients, 62% male, mean age 71 years, were recruited. 9 patients were excluded due to co-existing inflammation/infection, procedure failure, death, or refusal. Baseline hsCRP was above normal (average=10.81mg/l, range0.31–78.5mg/l). Following PTA, the 24 hour hsCRP level was significantly elevated to 16.55mg/l, (range0.68–148mg/l) (p<0.001), confirming triggering of the inflammatory cascade. At 6 weeks, the mean hsCRP level was 5.98mg/l (range0.29–33.6mg/l) (p<0.01). Similarly, the mean hsCRP levels remained stable during the follow-up at six months at 5.53mg/l (range1.57–13.2mg/l) (p=0.16). 28.5% had significant re-stenosis (>50%) on MRA at 6 month follow-up, however 14% were found to be secondary to stent artifact. True re-stenosis was associated with elevated baseline and 6 month CRP levels.

Baseline CRP elevation is associated with peripheral vascular disease. Angioplasty induces an inflammatory response as determined by the early elevation of CRP, which subsides by six weeks. Re-stenosis rate of 14.5% was observed on MRA at 6 month follow-up and was associated with elevated serum CRP.

C – Reactive Protein (CRP) is potentially a useful marker for follow – up of patients after peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Keeling, A, Naughton, P, Tsang, J, Duggan, W, Kelly, C, McGrath, F, Leahy, A, Bouchier-Hayes, D, Lee, M, et al, , Is C-Reactive Protein (CRP) a Useful Marker for Follow-up of Patients after Peripheral Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA)?.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6014877.html