New Insights into Cerebrovascular Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions that involve the brain's blood vessels, including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, small-vessel disease, and vascular dementia. These diseases have historically been a major challenge for public health, primarily due to their significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and long-term disability. With the aging global population and increasing prevalence of vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, the burden of CVD continues to rise. While considerable progress has been made in understanding some aspects of these conditions, key issues such as early detection, effective prevention strategies, and optimal therapeutic interventions remain inadequately addressed. This underscores the urgent need for continued research into the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

This Special Issue seeks to consolidate recent advances in the field of cerebrovascular disease and offer new insights that can improve clinical outcomes. It invites both original research articles and comprehensive review papers that delve into the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of CVD. We particularly encourage contributions that explore cutting-edge areas of research, such as neurovascular coupling, endothelial dysfunction, and the role of neuroinflammation and immune responses in cerebrovascular pathology. Additionally, this Special Issue will feature studies on the latest advances in imaging technologies, including functional neuroimaging, advanced MRI techniques, and new methods for assessing blood–brain barrier permeability.

We aim to highlight innovations in diagnostic strategies, with a focus on precision medicine approaches and biomarkers that can aid in early detection and risk stratification of CVD. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are also emerging as powerful tools for improving cerebrovascular disease diagnosis and management; therefore, we encourage submissions that address the role of AI in this field. Furthermore, we welcome papers that explore novel therapeutic strategies, such as neuroprotective agents, stem cell therapies, and gene-editing techniques, which have the potential to reshape treatment paradigms.

The scope of this Special Issue extends beyond fundamental research, also covering clinical studies that investigate therapeutic interventions, rehabilitation techniques, and the effectiveness of pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments. We encourage high-quality studies from diverse populations, particularly those that examine disparities in CVD prevalence, outcomes, and treatment efficacy across different demographic groups. Studies that focus on the translation of basic science discoveries into clinical applications are especially welcomed, as they have the potential to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world patient care.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that synthesize existing literature and provide evidence-based insights into the efficacy of treatments, diagnostic modalities, or intervention strategies are also invited. By offering a comprehensive view of the current state of the field, we aim to provide a foundation for future research that will lead to improved outcomes for patients suffering from cerebrovascular disease.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and stimulate innovative discussions among researchers, clinicians, and healthcare providers. By shedding light on emerging discoveries and new technologies, we hope to accelerate progress in understanding, diagnosing, preventing, and treating cerebrovascular diseases.

We look forward to your submissions.

Dr. Carolina Peña-Martínez
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• cerebrovascular disease
• stroke
• small-vessel disease
• vascular dementia
• neuroinflammation