Pulsatile blood flow asymmetry in paired human legs

Average leg blood flow has been extensively measured using non-invasive methods, but knowledge concerning pulsatile flow at specific leg cross-sections in normal or vascularly impaired limbs is quite limited. The present study used nuclear magnetic resonance flowmetry to address two fundamental questions; (1) to what extent are pulsatile flow differences present between paired-legs? and (2) is paired-leg flow symmetry affected by the presence of lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD)? Comparisons of left-right leg pulsatile blood flow (ml/min), perfusion (ml/min/100cc), and arterial status index at multiple leg sites showed highly significant correlations between legs (P < 0.001) in 57 normal and 37 patients with LEAD. To evaluate symmetry, the ratio of lower to higher paired-leg flow parameter values at five below-knee sites were averaged. Results showed all ratios significantly greater in normal subjects (P < 0.001). These findings establish the distribution and range of leg flow symmetry in vascularly normal individuals and show significant symmetry reductions accompanying bilateral LEAD. Although the cause of the asymmetry is presently unknown, non-uniform disease progression between paired legs may be involved. These initial findings provide a basis for subsequent research regarding the possible use of bilateral flow asymmetry assessment to further clarify the pathophysiological progression process and the possibility of using symmetry-based parameters to develop early markers of sub-clinical peripheral arterial disease progression.