Retinal Vascular Disorders: New Insights into Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 2847

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
2nd Department of Ophthalmology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
Interests: diabetic retinopathy; retinal imaging; retinal vein occlusion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been great interest in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and other retinal vascular disorders. The introduction of new imaging modalities, the role of artificial intelligence, and the progression in the understanding of retinal vascular diseases have led to new treatment algorithms, further adopting the personalized medicine model.

This Special Issue aims to bring together the latest research evidence on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of retinal vascular disorders, with more emphasis on diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular occlusions. We therefore invite high-quality submissions of original research and review articles on these topics.

Dr. Irini P. Chatziralli
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • diabetic retinopathy
  • retinal vein occlusion
  • retinal artery occlusion
  • sickle-cell retinopathy
  • optical coherence tomography
  • widefield imaging
  • OCT angiography

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Retinal Microvascular Changes in Association with Endothelial Glycocalyx Damage and Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Konstantinos Pappelis, Alexia Risi-Koziona, Chrysa Agapitou, Emmanouil Korakas, John Thymis, George Pavlidis, Stamatios Lampsas, Aikaterini Kountouri, Loukia Pliouta, Ilias Georgalas, Panagiotis Theodossiadis, Vaia Lambadiari, Ignatios Ikonomidis and Irini Chatziralli
Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2564; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112564 - 9 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: To investigate the potential association between the endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness with retinal changes observed through optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCT-A) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 28 patients with RVO. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: To investigate the potential association between the endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness with retinal changes observed through optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCT-A) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 28 patients with RVO. The demographic and clinical characteristics of all participants were recorded. Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations were performed, including fundus photography, OCT and OCT-A. Endothelial dysfunction was assessed by measuring the endothelial glycocalyx thickness via the perfused boundary region (PBR5-25). Arterial stiffness was evaluated by measuring the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), the central systolic and diastolic blood pressures (cSBP and cDBP) and the augmentation index (Aix). For each ophthalmological outcome, we generated a saturated linear regression model with demographic and systemic vascular parameters serving as independent variables. Regression coefficients with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. A p value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A 1 m/s increase in PWV was associated with a 0.6% reduction in inferior macular vessel density (VD) (p = 0.050). A 10 mmHg increase in cSBP was associated with a 0.03 mm2 increase in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area (p = 0.033). A 1% increase in Aix was associated with a 0.005 mm2 increase in FAZ area (p = 0.008). A 1 μm increase in PBR5-25 was associated, on average, with a 4.4% decrease in superior peripapillary VD (p = 0.027). Conclusions: In patients with RVO, structural and microvascular retinal parameters were significantly associated with markers of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Full article
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Review

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19 pages, 328 KiB  
Review
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusions: An Update
by Diana-Maria Darabuş, Rodica Georgiana Dărăbuş and Mihnea Munteanu
Biomedicines 2025, 13(1), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13010105 - 5 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular condition and a significant contributor to vision loss worldwide, particularly in middle-aged and elderly populations. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of BRVO, alongside recent advancements in [...] Read more.
Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular condition and a significant contributor to vision loss worldwide, particularly in middle-aged and elderly populations. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of BRVO, alongside recent advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. BRVO is approximately four times more prevalent than central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and often leads to significant vision impairment. By focusing on BRVO, this review aims to address the specific challenges and advancements in its diagnosis and management. The pathophysiology of BRVO is complex, involving factors such as venous compression, inflammation, and increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Diagnostic approaches such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography are highlighted for their roles in assessing disease severity and guiding treatment decisions. Therapeutic interventions, including laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF therapy, and intravitreal corticosteroids, are critically evaluated, emphasizing emerging treatments such as gene therapy, peptide-based agents, and small-molecule inhibitors. Despite advancements in management strategies, the recurrence of macular edema and treatment resistance remain significant challenges. Continued research is essential to refine therapeutic protocols and improve long-term visual outcomes for patients with BRVO. Full article
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