Cross-sectional pattern of collateral vessels in patients with superficial femoral artery occlusion.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the cross-sectional location of collateral vessels in patients with peripheral vascular disease on three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiograms (3D MRAs) to suggest sites for intravascular or transcutaneous angiogenesis gene delivery in the lower extremity.


METHODS
The axial locations were measured and categorized by tissue compartments, as well as by radial coordinates with respect to the femur.


RESULTS
Collateral vessels in the thigh were identified in 24 of 93 consecutive patients who underwent peripheral 3D MRA. Ninety-one percent (99/109) of the observed collaterals were located near the adductor canal level of the thigh, with 78% (31/46) of these collaterals located in the fat in or surrounding the posterior muscle.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of collateral vessels in the thigh are located in the fat or muscle within the posterior compartment near the femur at the level of the adductor canal.
Wecksell
M B
MB
Department of Radiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Winchester
P A
PA
Bush
H L
HL
Kent
K C
KC
Prince
M R
MR
Wang
Y
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D013848:Thigh / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging