Radiotracer imaging to measure blood flow in leg muscles with peripheral artery disease
Radiotracer-Based Imaging for Quantitative Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Perfusion in Peripheral Artery Disease
Using special radioactive scans to make pictures of blood flow in the leg muscles of people with peripheral artery disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses nuclear imaging techniques (SPECT/CT and dynamic 18F‑NaF PET) to take detailed pictures of blood flow in the legs of people with PAD. Prior work moved these scans from animal models to patients and showed they can reliably find areas with poor blood flow and detect changes after revascularization. The team will compare and refine these imaging methods to quantify regional muscle perfusion and link imaging findings with clinical outcomes like wound healing and amputation. These scans are noninvasive apart from a small injected tracer and are intended to help target treatments and track recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lower extremity peripheral artery disease, including those with claudication or critical limb ischemia or who are being considered for revascularization, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without PAD or those who cannot undergo nuclear imaging (for example, pregnant people or those who decline tracer injections) are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the imaging could help doctors pinpoint areas of poor leg muscle blood flow, guide treatment choices, and better predict risk of limb loss.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies by this group and others showed SPECT/CT can reliably detect regional perfusion defects and predict outcomes, while dynamic 18F‑NaF PET for perfusion is a newer approach with promising early results.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, United States
- Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stacy, Mitchel R — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Stacy, Mitchel R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.