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[Microaneurysms as a biomarker of diabetic retinopathy]
1Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular pathology, which is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. Improvement of instrumental diagnostics of retinal pathologies has contributed to identification of various phenotypes of the progression of ocular fundus pathology in diabetes based on specific changes in the retina - biomarkers. In particular, microaneurysms initially described in diabetes, which are a manifestation of a wide range of systemic pathologies and retinal diseases, are an indicator of the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Dynamic changes in the number of microaneurysms are a confirmed prognostic biomarker of clinically significant macular edema. In diabetic retinopathy, microaneurysms are one of the earliest recognizable signs, and the dynamic of their formation and disappearance may serve as a predictor for the disease progression. This literature review presents the characteristics of microaneurysms based on various imaging techniques, and analyses the link between structural features and dynamic changes in microaneurysms, and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Insights
Microaneurysms are key indicators of diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity. Their dynamic changes, tracked via imaging, predict disease progression and complications like macular edema.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Microaneurysms are early, recognizable signs of DR and indicators of systemic disease.
- Dynamic changes in microaneurysm count are established prognostic biomarkers for macular edema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize microaneurysms using diverse imaging techniques.
- To analyze the relationship between microaneurysm structural features, dynamics, and DR progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies employing various retinal imaging modalities.
- Analysis of data linking microaneurysm characteristics to diabetic retinopathy phenotypes.
- Evaluation of dynamic changes in microaneurysm formation and resolution as predictive markers.
Main Results:
- Microaneurysms serve as crucial biomarkers for assessing DR severity and progression.
- Imaging techniques reveal specific structural features and dynamic patterns of microaneurysms.
- The temporal evolution of microaneurysms correlates with the risk of clinically significant macular edema.
Conclusions:
- Microaneurysm dynamics are vital for predicting diabetic retinopathy progression and outcomes.
- Advanced imaging of microaneurysms offers valuable insights into DR pathogenesis.
- Monitoring microaneurysm changes aids in personalized risk stratification for diabetic patients.
