Keywords
Ophthalmoscopy
Diabetic retinopathy
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the prognostic value of diabetic retinopathy identified by fundoscopy in predicting major cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This is an integrative literature review conducted using the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and CAPES Periodicals databases, using the descriptors: “Diabetic Retinopathy”, “Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2”, and “Cardiovascular Diseases”, and truncating the search to: (Diabetic Retinopathy) AND (Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2) AND (Cardiovascular Diseases). 10,085 articles were found, filtered according to inclusion criteria (Portuguese, English, and Spanish languages; period from 2021 to 2026; full articles) and exclusion criteria (duplicate articles, abstracts, out-of-scope articles). Results: Diabetic retinopathy is strongly associated with an increased risk of systemic cardiovascular disease, functioning as an early marker of vascular damage. The progression of the disease reflects an integrated process of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic alterations that simultaneously affect the micro- and macrovasculature. Furthermore, fundoscopy, combined with biomarkers and new predictive models, stands out as a promising tool for risk stratification and early intervention. Conclusion: Diabetic retinopathy is an important early marker of systemic cardiovascular risk. Its identification should guide an integrated and intensive clinical approach to reduce adverse outcomes.
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