PET OEF reactivity for hemodynamic compromise in occlusive vascular disease
Edwin M Nemoto1, Howard Yonas, Ronda R Pindzola
1Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. nemotoem@upmc.edu
Background And Purpose:
Hemodynamic compromise in symptomatic patients with occlusive vascular disease (OVD) identified by cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) is an independent predictor of high stroke risk. However, up to 60% of patients compromised by CVR have normal OEF indicating a high rate of discordance. CVR is measured with an acetazolamide challenge, and OEF reactivity (OEFR) to acetazolamide, ie, a hemodynamic challenge, may reveal hemodynamic compromise and less discordance with measurements of CVR.
Methods:
Nine symptomatic patients with OVD were studied by positron emission tomography before and 15 minutes after 15 mg/kg intravenous acetazolamide in the middle cerebral artery territories of each hemisphere.
Results:
A close correlation between hemispheric CVR and OEFR was observed. Two hemispheres from two different patients showed an increase in OEF to acetazolamide challenge despite a normal baseline OEF. The two hemispheres showing an increase in OEF in response to acetazolamide were also associated with the lowest CVR and severest white matter hyperintensities.
Conclusions:
These observations suggest that positive OEFR may distinguish hemispheres in hemodynamic compromise despite normal OEF and show less discordance with CVR. However, these preliminary observations require confirmation in a larger study.
Related Concept Videos
Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...

