Super-resolution ultrasound imaging for peripheral artery disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational, single-center study uses super-resolution contrast-enhanced ultrasound to image the muscle and skin microvasculature in adults with clinically confirmed peripheral artery disease and in healthy control volunteers. Participants undergo ankle-brachial index screening and vascular imaging to confirm group assignment, then receive contrast-enhanced ultrasound with microbubble tracking to visualize arterioles and capillaries ≤100 micrometers. Investigators will compare microvascular structure and perfusion measures between PAD patients and controls to characterize microvascular dysfunction. The study is conducted at Peking University First Hospital in Beijing and does not alter participants' medical treatments.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

\*Inclusion Criteria:\*

1. Adults aged ≥18 years and ≤100 years;
2. Diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD) confirmed by comprehensive clinical assessment-including characteristic symptoms (e.g., intermittent claudication, rest pain), physical findings (e.g., diminished or absent distal pulses, bruits), ankle-brachial index (ABI) \< 0.9, and corroborating vascular imaging (e.g., duplex ultrasonography, CTA, or MRA);
3. Alternatively, healthy adults without PAD (i.e., ABI ≥ 0.9, absence of suggestive symptoms or signs, and no history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) who meet all other eligibility requirements;
4. Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

\*Exclusion Criteria:\*

1. Inability to complete study procedures due to:

   1. Severe involuntary movement disorders (e.g., advanced Parkinson's disease or cerebellar ataxia) interfering with image acquisition;
   2. Contraindication to contrast-enhanced ultrasound (e.g., documented hypersensitivity to sulfur hexafluoride microbubble contrast agent \[SonoVue®\]);
   3. Active lower-limb infection (e.g., diabetic foot infection with systemic signs or osteomyelitis), which precludes safe or interpretable data collection;
2. Cognitive impairment or legal incapacity precluding autonomous informed consent;
3. Refusal-by the participant or their legally authorized representative-to provide informed consent.

Where it's running

• Peking University First Hospital
  Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Min Yang, M.D.
• Email: dryangmin@gmail.com
• Phone: 01083572622

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Antiplatelet-Only versus Antiplatelet plus Low-Dose Rivaroxaban after Heart Events

  In adults 65 or older with prior heart events and certain arterial diseases, this study tests whether continuing clopidogrel alone is no worse than adding low-dose rivaroxaban to aspirin-based therapy.

  Recruiting Phase 4 Seoul National University Bundang Hospital · Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do · NCT07796217

• Home-based Pedal Exerise Therapy for Moderate-to-Severe PAD

  This pilot study tests whether a 12-week home-based pedal exerciser program, guided remotely, can help adults with moderate-to-severe PAD improve walking and function.

  Recruiting Laval University · Lévis, Quebec · NCT07655206

• Obstructive sleep apnea prevalence in people with peripheral artery disease

  This project will test how common obstructive sleep apnea is in adults with peripheral artery disease by using sleep polygraphy during routine care.

  Recruiting Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer · Toulon, Var · NCT07283289

• Using wearable activity trackers and a mobile app to help people with peripheral artery disease walk better

  This project will test whether a personalized home walking program guided by wearable activity trackers and automatic feedback can help people with peripheral artery disease walk as well as supervised exercise sessions.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Chinese University of Hong Kong · Hong Kong, Hong Kong and 1 other locations · NCT07012070

• Evaluating a Paclitaxel Coated Balloon for Treating Atherosclerosis in Leg Arteries

  This study is testing a special balloon treatment to see if it can safely improve blood flow and reduce symptoms in people with blocked leg arteries due to peripheral artery disease.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Balton Sp.zo.o. · Chrzanów, Malopolska and 2 other locations · NCT06734221

• Helping people walk better after leg revascularization for peripheral artery disease

  This project will see if adding a home-based walking program or taking nitrate-rich beetroot juice after leg revascularization helps people with peripheral artery disease walk farther and faster.

  Recruiting at 8 sites Phase 3 Northwestern University · Tucson, Arizona and 7 other locations · NCT06686121

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.