CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOME OF POSTERIOR CYSTOID MACULAR DEGENERATION IN CHRONIC CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY

Central serous chorioretinopathy: An evidence-based treatment guideline

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a relatively common disease that causes vision loss due to macular subretinal fluid leakage and it is often associated with reduced vision-related quality of life. In CSC, the leakage of subretinal fluid through defects in the retinal pigment epithelial layer's outer blood-retina barrier appears to occur secondary to choroidal abnormalities and dysfunction. The treatment of CSC is currently the subject of controversy, although recent data obtained from several large randomized controlled trials provide a wealth of new information that can be used to establish a treatment algorithm. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of our current understanding regarding the pathogenesis of CSC, current therapeutic strategies, and an evidence-based treatment guideline for CSC. In acute CSC, treatment can often be deferred for up to 3-4 months after diagnosis; however, early treatment with either half-dose or half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the photosensitive dye verteporfin may be beneficial in selected cases. In chronic CSC, half-dose or half-fluence PDT, which targets the abnormal choroid, should be considered the preferred treatment. If PDT is unavailable, chronic CSC with focal, non-central leakage on angiography may be treated using conventional laser photocoagulation. CSC with concurrent macular neovascularization should be treated with half-dose/half-fluence PDT and/or intravitreal injections of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor compound. Given the current shortage of verteporfin and the paucity of evidence supporting the efficacy of other treatment options, future studies-ideally, well-designed randomized controlled trials-are needed in order to evaluate new treatment options for CSC.

Choroidal hyperpermeability patterns correlate with disease severity in central serous chorioretinopathy: CERTAIN study report 2

PURPOSE

Choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (CVH) on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is a hallmark feature of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). We identified three distinct CVH phenotypes in CSC: uni-focal indistinct signs of choroidal hyperpermeability (uni-FISH) with one focal area of CVH, multiple areas of focal CVH (multi-FISH), and diffuse hyperpermeability covering most of the posterior pole (DISH). This report investigates the distribution of these phenotypes and their association with signs of disease chronicity.

METHODS

The CERTAIN study is a monocentric, retrospective study on consecutive CSC patients referred to a large tertiary referral centre that underwent ultra-widefield (UWF) and 55° ICGA. Two independent graders assessed CVH patterns based on mid- to late-phase UWF and 55° ICGA with a third grader acting as referee.

RESULTS

Of the 167 eyes of 91 patients included in this study, 43 (26%) showed uni-FISH, 87 (52%) multi-FISH, and 34 (20%) showed DISH based on UWF ICGA. Median age (40 vs. 45 vs. 57; p < 0.001) and logMAR visual acuity (0 vs. 0 vs. 0.1, p < 0.001) differed significantly in-between groups, as did the occurrence of cystoid retinal degeneration (PCRD; 0% vs. 1% vs. 18%, p < 0.001) or diffuse atrophic RPE alterations (DARA; 0% vs. 17% vs. 29%, p < 0.001). The same was true when grading was based on 55° ICGA.

CONCLUSIONS

The CVH patterns of uni-FISH, multi-FISH, and DISH are typical of CSC. These patterns correlate with established signs of CSC chronicity. Their predictive role in treatment response and prognosis remains to be evaluated.

Choroidal Vascular Changes on Ultrawidefield Indocyanine Green Angiography in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: CERTAIN Study Report 1

PURPOSE

Choroidal venous overload was recently suggested to be a pathogenetic factor in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Manifestations of venous overload on ultrawidefield indocyanine green angiography (UWF ICGA) include asymmetric arterial choroidal filling (AACF), enlarged choroidal vessels ("pachyvessels"), and asymmetric venous drainage (AVD) leading to choroidal intervortex venous anastomoses (CVAs) accompanied by choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (CVH). The purpose of the current study is to assess the presence of these signs of venous overload in a large cohort of CSC patients.

DESIGN

Monocentric retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive CSC patients seen at a large tertiary referral center.

METHODS

For the CERTAIN study, patients underwent a standardized imaging protocol including UWF ICGA. Features of choroidal venous overload were graded for each eye individually by 2 independent graders and, in case of disagreement, by a third grader.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Presence of AAFC, pachyvessels, AVD, CVA, and CVH.

RESULTS

In total, 178 eyes of 91 patients were included in this study. Mean patient age was 47.6 (± 12.0) years and 75 patients (82%) were male. The 116 eyes (65%) that showed subretinal fluid were considered affected (bilateral disease in 29 patients). In affected eyes, AACF was present in 62 eyes (85% of gradable eyes), pachyvessels in 102 eyes (88%), AVD in 81 eyes (74%), CVA in 107 eyes (94%), and CVH in 100% of affected eyes. For fellow eyes, prevalence of pachyvessels (94%), AVD (67%), and CVA (90%) was similar to affected eyes, whereas CVH was present in 85% of fellow eyes. Intergrader agreement was excellent for CVH (94%), and 74%-82% for all other criteria. Patients with pachyvessels and AVD in 1 eye were more likely to also show the same characteristic in the fellow eye (odds ratios 22.2 and 9.9, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Signs of venous overload are seen in the vast majority of CSC patients, both in affected and unaffected eyes. Although pachyvessels, AVD, and CVA are observed frequently, CVH was observed in all affected eyes, showed excellent intergrader reliability, and is diagnostic for CSC. This supports the concept of choroidal venous overload as a major factor in CSC pathogenesis.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Pachychoroid Spectrum Disorders: An Updated Review

Pachychoroid disease spectrum is a recent term that has been associated with an increasing number of phenotypes. This review discusses updated findings for each of the typical pachychoroid entities (central serous chorioretinopathy, pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome, and focal choroidal excavation), as well as two relatively new additions (peripapillary pachychoroid neovasculopathy and peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy). Here, we discuss the potential pathogenic mechanisms for these diseases and relevant imaging updates. Finally, we argue for a consistent classification scheme for these entities.

Changes of microstructure of central serous chorioretinopathy on OCT and its relationship with prognosis

PURPOSE

To quantitatively evaluate the relationship between retinal microstructure and prognosis in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC) using optical coherence tomography(OCT).

METHODS

398 affected eyes of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy who visited Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre(ZOC) from 2015 to 2018 were included in this retrospective study. The optical coherence tomography images of all patients in their first visit were analyzed, and logistic regression analysis were performed with 11 independent variables, and subretinal fluid absorption in 3 months after therapy as well as recur in 6 months after therapy as dependent variable respectively. The correlation between shortage of ellipsoid baseline and height of foveal subretinal fluid, width of foveal subretinal fluid were analyzed respectively. The difference of duration and baseline logMAR visual acuity in eyes with and without double layer sign or subretinal hyper-reflective materials were analyzed respectively. The difference of therapeutic outcome among different therapeutic methods was also analyzed in eyes with double-layer sign and subretinal hyper-reflective materials respectively.

RESULTS

In the regression analysis with subretinal fluid absorption in 3 months after therapy as dependent variable, shortage of ellipsoid zone was statistically significant(P<0.0001,B=1.288).In the regression analysis with recur in 6 months as dependent variable, no independent variable was statisically significant. There is no correlation between shortage of ellipsoid zone and width or height of subretinal fluid. Duration of disease in eyes with double layer sign or subretinal hyper-reflective materials was longer than those without these features. In the eyes with double-layer sign or subretinal hyper-reflective material, the difference of logMAR visual acuity 3 months after treatment between 2 therapeutic methods was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

When using optical coherence tomography to quantitatively evaluate change microstructure in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy, we found that subretinal fluid was easier to absorb completely in eyes with less shortage of ellipsoid zone. Double layer sign and subretinal hyper-reflective materials are easier to exist in eyes with longer duration of disease.

Long-term follow-up of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients after primary treatment of oral eplerenone or half-dose photodynamic therapy and crossover treatment: SPECTRA trial report No. 3

PURPOSE

Comparing anatomic and functional efficacy and safety of primary treatment with either half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) or oral eplerenone, or crossover treatment in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients.

METHODS

After the SPECTRA trial baseline visit, patients were randomized to either half-dose PDT or eplerenone and received crossover treatment if persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) was present at first follow-up (at 3 months). Presence of SRF and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated at 12 months.

RESULTS

Out of the 90 patients evaluated at 12 months, complete SRF resolution was present on OCT in 43/48 (89.6%) of patients who were primarily randomized to half-dose PDT and in 37/42 (88.1%) who were primarily randomized to eplerenone. Out of the 42 patients that were primarily randomized to eplerenone, 35 received crossover treatment with half-dose PDT. The BCVA improved significantly more at 12 months in patients who had received primary half-dose PDT as compared to the primary eplerenone group (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Twelve months after baseline visit, most patients treated with half-dose PDT (either primary or crossover treatment) still had complete SRF resolution. The long-term BCVA in patients who receive primary half-dose PDT is better than in patients in whom PDT is delayed due to initial eplerenone treatment with persistent SRF.

Prediction of the response to photodynamic therapy in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy based on optical coherence tomography using deep learning

PURPOSE

To assess the prediction of the response to photodynamic therapy (PDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) based on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images using deep learning (DL).

METHODS

Retrospective study including 216 eyes of 175 patients with CSCR and persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) who underwent half-fluence PDT. SD-OCT macular examination was performed before (baseline) and 3 months after treatment. Patients were classified into groups by experts based on the response to PDT: Group 1, complete SRF resorption (n = 100); Group 2, partial SRF resorption (n = 66); and Group 3, absence of any SRF resorption (n = 50). This work proposes different computational approaches: 1st approach compares all groups; 2nd compares groups 1 vs. 2 and 3 together; 3rd compares groups 2 vs. 3.

RESULTS

The mean age was 55.6 ± 10.9 years and 70.3% were males. In the first approach, the algorithm showed a precision of up to 57% to detect the response to treatment in group 1 based on the initial scan, with a mean average accuracy of 0.529 ± 0.035. In the second model, the mean accuracy was higher (0.670 ± 0.046). In the third approach, the algorithm showed a precision of 0.74 ± 0.12 to detect the response to treatment in group 2 (partial SRF resolution) and 0.69 ± 0.15 in group 3 (absence of SRF resolution).

CONCLUSION

Despite the high clinical variability in the response of chronic CSCR to PDT, this DL algorithm offers an objective and promising tool to predict the response to PDT treatment in clinical practice.

Cystoid Macular Edema after Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair with Pars Plana Vitrectomy: Rate, Risk Factors, and Outcomes

(1) Background: The aim was to describe the rate and outcomes of cystoid macular edema (CME) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and to identify risk factors and imaging characteristics. (2) Methods: A retrospective consecutive case study was conducted over a 5-year period among adult patients who underwent PPV for primary RRD repair. The main outcome measure was the rate of CME at 12 months following PPV. (3) Results: Overall, 493 eyes were included. The CME rate was 28% (93 patients) at 12 months. In multivariate analysis, eyes with worse presenting visual acuity (VA) (odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% CI, 1.07–2.25; p = 0.02) and grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.04–8.16; p = 0.04) were more at risk of developing CME 1 year after PPV. Endolaser retinopexy was associated with a greater risk of CME than cryotherapy retinopexy (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.33–7.84; p = 0.01). Eyes undergoing cataract surgery within 6 months of the initial RRD repair were more likely to develop CME at 12 months (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.06–3.63; p = 0.03). (4) Conclusions: CME is a common complication after PPV for primary RRD repair. Eyes with worse presenting VA, severe PVR at initial presentation, endolaser retinopexy, and cataract surgery within 6 months of initial RRD repair were risk factors for postoperative CME at 12 months.

Non-vasogenic cystoid maculopathies

Besides cystoid macular edema due to a blood-retinal barrier breakdown, another type of macular cystoid spaces referred to as non-vasogenic cystoid maculopathies (NVCM) may be detected on optical coherence tomography but not on fluorescein angiography. Various causes may disrupt retinal cell cohesion or impair retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller cell functions in the maintenance of retinal dehydration, resulting in cystoid spaces formation. Tractional causes include vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membranes and myopic foveoschisis. Surgical treatment does not always allow cystoid space resorption. In inherited retinal dystrophies, cystoid spaces may be part of the disease as in X-linked retinoschisis or enhanced S-cone syndrome, or occur occasionally as in bestrophinopathies, retinitis pigmentosa and allied diseases, congenital microphthalmia, choroideremia, gyrate atrophy and Bietti crystalline dystrophy. In macular telangiectasia type 2, cystoid spaces and cavitations do not depend on the fluid leakage from telangiectasia. Various causes affecting RPE function may result in NVCM such as chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and paraneoplastic syndromes. Non-exudative age macular degeneration may also be complicated by intraretinal cystoid spaces in the absence of fluorescein leakage. In these diseases, cystoid spaces occur in a context of retinal cell loss. Various causes of optic atrophy, including open-angle glaucoma, result in microcystoid spaces in the inner nuclear layer due to a retrograde transsynaptic degeneration. Lastly, drug toxicity may also induce cystoid maculopathy. Identifying NVCM on multimodal imaging, including fluorescein angiography if needed, allows guiding the diagnosis of the causative disease and choosing adequate treatment when available.

Photodynamic therapy as a treatment option for peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the anatomical and functional results in eyes with peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS) undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT).

METHODS

A total of 25 eyes from 23 patients with PPS treated with PDT were retrospectively evaluated in this multicentric study. Main outcome measure was the proportion of eyes that achieved treatment success, defined as a decrease in both subretinal fluid (SRF) height and central subfield thickness (CST), at 3 months after PDT compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were the change in CST, SRF, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 3 months after treatment and predictive factors for treatment success. When available, data between 3 and 12 months were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Treatment success was achieved in 16 eyes (64%). In the total cohort, CST decreased significantly from 356 ± 118 µm at baseline to 282 ± 90 µm and 270 ± 91 µm at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Maximal SRF height decreased significantly from 102 ± 83 µm at baseline to 38 ± 46 µm and 32 ± 42 µm at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.001), and remained stable at month 6 (29 ± 44 µm) and month 12 (23 ± 35 µm). BCVA improved significantly from baseline to month 3 (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

PDT can be considered an efficacious treatment option in patients with PPS. Prospective data with longer follow-up in a bigger cohort are needed in order to determine the optimal treatment algorithm in this relatively novel disease.

One year outcome and predictors of treatment outcome in central serous chorioretinopathy: Multimodal imaging based analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the follow up and treatment outcome of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) based on the new multimodal imaging-based classification and identify the predictors for anatomic and visual outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective, multicentric study on 95 eyes diagnosed with CSCR and a follow up of at least 12 months were included. Eyes with macular neovascularization, atypical CSCR or any other disease were excluded.

RESULTS

At the baseline, observation was advised to 70% eyes with simple CSCR whereas photodynamic therapy (PDT) was performed in 49% eyes with complex CSCR. Over the follow up, decrease in CMT was significantly higher in simple CSCR as compared to complex CSCR (P = 0.008) and the recurrences were significantly more in eyes with lower CMT at baseline (P = 0.0002). Median time of resolution of SRF was 3 months and 6 months in simple and complex CSCR respectively (P = 0.09). For the 12 months follow up, the median fluid free period was greater (P = 0.03) while number of interventions performed was lesser in eyes with simple CSCR as compared to complex CSCR (P = 0.006). Multiple regression analysis showed baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and baseline persistent SRF to be significantly predictive of BCVA and persistent SRF at 12 months (P < 0.0001, 0.04) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Complex CSCR more often required PDT, was associated with shorter fluid free interval and longer time for SRF resolution. Baseline BCVA and persistent SRF were predictive of final visual and anatomical outcome. The new multimodal imaging based classification is helpful in establishing objective criteria for planning treatment approaches for CSCR.

One-year outcome of cystoid macular degeneration in central serous chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To study structural and functional outcomes of cystoid macular degeneration (CMD) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 26 eyes having chronic CSCR with CMD who underwent either observation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), micropulse laser, or eplerenone therapy. Various optical coherence tomography parameters were analyzed at baseline and 1 year.

RESULTS

Number of eyes that maintained or gained vision after treatment was 63.1%, compared to a loss of 2.1 ± 1.1 lines in observation group. Sub-foveal large choroidal vessel responded to PDT (p = 0.03); while CMT (p = 0.035) and intra-retinal cystoid spaces (0.037) responded to eplerenone. Longer duration of the symptoms and round cystoid spaces were associated with a decrease in CMT (p = 0.03) and decrease in cystoid spaces size (p = 0.02) respectively on follow up.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of eyes with CMD prevents further deterioration of vision. Round configuration of intra-retinal cystoid space has a better anatomical outcome.

Serous business: Delineating the broad spectrum of diseases with subretinal fluid in the macula

A wide range of ocular diseases can present with serous subretinal fluid in the macula and therefore clinically mimic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). In this manuscript, we categorise the diseases and conditions that are part of the differential diagnosis into 12 main pathogenic subgroups: neovascular diseases, vitelliform lesions, inflammatory diseases, ocular tumours, haematological malignancies, paraneoplastic syndromes, genetic diseases, ocular developmental anomalies, medication-related conditions and toxicity-related diseases, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and tractional retinal detachment, retinal vascular diseases, and miscellaneous diseases. In addition, we describe 2 new clinical pictures associated with macular subretinal fluid accumulation, namely serous maculopathy with absence of retinal pigment epithelium (SMARPE) and serous maculopathy due to aspecific choroidopathy (SMACH). Differentiating between these various diseases and CSC can be challenging, and obtaining the correct diagnosis can have immediate therapeutic and prognostic consequences. Here, we describe the key differential diagnostic features of each disease within this clinical spectrum, including representative case examples. Moreover, we discuss the pathogenesis of each disease in order to facilitate the differentiation from typical CSC.

The Role of Imaging in Planning Treatment for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a controversial disease both in terms of clinical classification and choice of therapeutic strategy. Choroidal layers, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), photoreceptors, and retina are involved to varying degrees. Beyond well-known symptoms raising the clinical suspect of CSC and slit-lamp fundus examination, multimodal imaging plays a key role in assessing the extent of chorioretinal structural involvement. Subretinal fluid (SRF) originating from the choroid leaks through one or multiple RPE defects and spreads into the subretinal space. Spontaneous fluid reabsorption is quite common, but in some eyes, resolution can be obtained only after treatment. Multiple therapeutic strategies are available, and extensive research identified the most effective procedures. Imaging has carved a significant role in guiding the choice of the most appropriate strategy for each single CSC eye. Multiple biomarkers have been identified, and all of them represent a diagnostic and prognostic reference point. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive analysis of the current scientific knowledge about the role of imaging in planning the treatment in eyes affected by CSC.

Outcome of half-dose photodynamic therapy in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy with fovea-involving atrophy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes after half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) patients with pre-existent fovea-involving atrophy.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, cCSC patients who had a window defect of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) on fluorescein angiography (FA), compatible with RPE atrophy, prior to half-dose PDT were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-four cCSC eyes with typical findings of cCSC on multimodal imaging, and fovea-involving RPE atrophy on FA, were included. At the first visit after PDT (at a median of 1.8 months after half-dose PDT), 20 eyes (59%) had a complete resolution of SRF (p < 0.001), while this was the case in 19 eyes (56%) at final visit (median of 11.3 months after half-dose PDT; p < 0.001). The mean BCVA in Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters was 71. 2 ± 15.9 at last visit before PDT, which increased to 74.1 ± 14.1 at first visit after PDT (p = 0.093, compared with baseline), and changed to 73.0 ± 19.1 at final visit (p = 0.392, compared with baseline). Both at first visit after PDT and at final visit, a significant decrease in subfoveal choroidal thickness was observed (p = 0.032 and p = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Half-dose PDT in cCSC patients with pre-existing fovea-involving atrophy may lead to anatomical changes, but not to functional improvements. Ideally, cCSC should be treated with half-dose PDT before the occurrence of such atrophy.

Photodynamic Therapy for Chorioretinal Diseases: A Practical Approach

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin (Visudyne®; Bausch + Lomb) is a treatment that is widely used to elicit cell and tissue death. In ophthalmology, PDT targets choroidal vascular abnormalities and induces selective occlusion of vessels. PDT was originally used in combination with full-dose verteporfin to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Since the introduction of treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors, the clinical targets of PDT have shifted to other chorioretinal conditions, such as central serous chorioretinopathy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and choroidal hemangioma. In recent years, clinical studies have facilitated the optimization of treatment outcomes through changes in protocols, including the introduction of reduced treatment settings, such as PDT with half-dose verteporfin and half-fluence PDT. Here, we review PDT and its use for chorioretinal diseases from a practical perspective.