Investigating retinal vessel leakage in cerebral small vessel disease

Retinal Vessel Leakage in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: a Sub-study of the Mild Stroke Study 3

Observational University of Edinburgh · NCT06416371

This study is trying to see if leaking blood vessels in the eyes can help us understand how serious cerebral small vessel disease is in people who have had mild strokes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Edinburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edinburgh)
Trial IDNCT06416371 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the occurrence of leakage from retinal vessels in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Using fluorescein angiography, participants will be assessed for retinal vessel leakage, which may correlate with the severity of their SVD. The study will recruit individuals from the Mild Stroke Study 3 cohort who have previously undergone brain scans and other evaluations. The findings could provide insights into the pathogenesis of SVD and offer a cost-effective alternative to MRI for monitoring disease progression.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who are part of the Mild Stroke Study 3 cohort and have had a contrast-enhanced MRI within the last 12 months.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions known to cause retinal leakage or severe dementia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and monitoring of cerebral small vessel disease through retinal imaging.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using retinal imaging in this context is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in linking retinal health to cerebral vascular conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Membership in the Mild Stroke Study 3 cohort
* Contrast enhanced MRI within 12 months
* Clear optical media in both eyes, as assessed by study investigator
* Best corrected visual acuity (near vision) ≥N36

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any condition known to cause retinal leakage (i.e., worse than background diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, active uveitis, wet age-related macular degeneration, malignant hypertension)
* Previous treatment for retinal leakage (retinal laser, intravitreal anti-VEGF)
* Recent eye surgery
* Shallow anterior chambers as assessed by torch test
* Pregnancy, renal failure
* Severe dementia
* Known allergy to fluorescein
* History of allergy such as food or drug induced urticaria or history of bronchial asthma
* Any other severe or acute medical or psychiatric conditions
* Inability to give informed consent

Where this trial is running

Edinburgh

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cerebral Small Vessel DiseasesLacunar StrokeVascular Dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.