Effects of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Endovascular Brachytherapy on Vascular Remodeling of Human Femoropopliteal Artery: 2 Years Follow-up by Noninvasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess in vivo the long-term effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and endovascular brachytherapy (EVBT) on vessel wall by serial MRI.MethodsTwenty patients with symptomatic stenosis of the femoropopliteal artery were randomly assigned to PTA (n=10) or PTA+EVBT (n=10, 14Gy by γ-source). High-resolution MRI was performed prior, at 24-hours, 3-months, and 24-months after intervention. MRI data were analyzed by an independent, blinded observer.ResultsThe effects of both procedures on vessel wall at 24-hours and 3-months have been reported. Despite similar percent decrease in lumen area between 3- and 24-months in both groups (−8% for PTA and −11% for PTA+EVBT), at 24-months lumen area gain compared to baseline was +30% in PTA versus +82% in PTA+EVBT (p