Diabetes is a long-term condition associated with a wide range of complications such as eye, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as damage to the nerves and vessels. Around 15% develop diabetic foot ulcers resulting from diabetic peripheral neuropathy and arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities. This study aims to demonstrate the value of using 15O-H2O PET/CT in the diagnosis of lower limb ischemia in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers. We will compare PET/CT perfusion imaging with hemodynamic measurements. Then, with a follow-up of 2, 5, and 10 years, we will evaluate the prognostic value of PET/CT in wound healing and possible future amputation outcomes. 15O-H2O PET/CT perfusion images provide information on the extent of small vessel disease, which may guide the level of amputation more precisely, thus avoiding unnecessary re-admissions and reoperations. Finally, we will investigate the value of adding a cardiac scan into the workflow in terms of detection of potential unknown cardiac disease in this patient group.
Key research methods
- Test-retest reliability of 15O-H2O PET in lower extremities
- Lower extremity skeletal muscle perfusion measured by 15O-H2O PET
- Myocardial perfusion measured by 15O-H2O PET
- Lower extremity perfusion reserve measured by 15O-H2O PET
Contact Nana Christensen, Biomedical Laboratory Scientist, PhD student
Main supervisor: Lars Poulsen Tolbod, Associate professor, Medical physicist, PhD