Correlations Between the Ankle-Brachial Index, Percentage of Mean Arterial Pressure, and Upstroke Time for Endovascular Treatment

BACKGROUND: The ankle-brachial index (ABI), percentage of mean arterial pressure (%MAP), and upstroke time (UT) are indicators to diagnose lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, the respective relationship between these parameters is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the correlations between ABI, %MAP, and UT and examined their clinical usefulness for endovascular treatment (EVT). METHODS: Sixty-three consecutive subjects who underwent successful EVT for aortoiliac to femoropopliteal artery diseases were analyzed. The ABI, %MAP, and UT were measured using an automated oscillometric device. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between the ABI and %MAP (r = -0.425, P < 0.001), the ABI and UT (r = -0.304, P = 0.017), and %MAP and UT (r = 0.368, P = 0.003). In terms of lesion length, there was a significant difference in %MAP after EVT (focal, 42.6%; short, 44.5%; intermediate, 47.1%; long, 49.1%; P = 0.015). There was minimal %MAP improvement in the case of a long lesion length (focal, -8.83%; short, -5.10%; intermediate, -3.00%; long, -1.50%; P = 0.006). Excessive lesion calcification also hindered %MAP improvement (grade 0, -7.16%; grade 1, -5.52%; grade 2, -4.71%; grade 3, -2.80%; grade 4, -1.00%; P = 0.049). Patients who underwent re-EVT (an average of 10.1 months after initial EVT) had minimal %MAP improvement (-2.76% vs. -5.95%, P = 0.035) at the first outpatient visit (an average of 3.3 weeks after EVT). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the ABI, %MAP, and UT are correlated with each other. If the length of the lesion is long and there is excessive calcification, %MAP improvement is minimal. Moreover, minimal %MAP improvement may be an indicator of future restenosis.