Dear Colleagues,

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a clinical condition characterized by a decreased perfusion of a lower extremity and is associated with a high risk for worse outcomes such as chronic limb-threatening ischemia, cardiovascular events (i.e. myocardial infarction and stroke) and all-cause mortality. The onset of PAD is also a marker of systemic vascular dysfunction, being associated with multiple comorbidities including chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD forecasts a 2 to 4 times increased risk for the onset of PAD. Both conditions are characterized by a dysregulation of extracellular matrix deposition due to imbalances in metalloproteinases, chronic inflammation and increased release of cytokines. Moreover, the association of CKD and PAD is associated with an increased risk for future morbities. Proper and early treatment of CKD may reduce the onset of PAD and overall improve individual prognosis. Concomitantly, future studies on biomarkers of CKD and PAD may help further the comprehension of pathogenesis of the disease and the detection of patients at very high risk of future cardiovascular events. The aim of this special issue is to collect recent research evidence around PAD in the specific setting of CKD. Original articles (both observational and randomized studies), review articles, meta-analyses, and case series are potentially suitable for this Special Issue.

Dr. Michele Provenzano, Dr. Giuseppe Coppolino and Dr. Claudia Torino

Guest Editors