Long-term treatment response after intravitreal bevacizumab injections for patients with 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.

Evaluation of changes in macular structures after subthreshold micropulse laser therapy on chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the changes in macular structures following subthreshold micropulse laser (SHML) treatment for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).

METHODS

Data of 33 eyes from 31 cCSC patients treated with SHML and followed up for at least 6 months has been included in this retrospective study. Main outcome measurements include resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED), the recovery of ellipsoid zone (EZ) continuity, and the foveal outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness along with its ratio.

RESULTS

Mean observation period is 7.355 months (ranging from 6 to 24 months) and mean number of treatments administered is 1.839 (ranging from 1 to 5). 6 months after SHML treatment, there is a significant decrease in the area of SRF and PED (P < 0.001, P = 0.010, respectively). Additionally, the frequency of continuous EZ and the foveal ONL thickness reveal a significant increase (P<0.001, P = 0.005, respectively). The ratio of foveal ONL thickness is significantly higher after laser treatment, particularly in patients with a disease duration of ≤12 months (p = 0.022, P=0.036, respectively).

CONCLUSION

SHML treatment proves to be effective in cCSC eyes, leading to satisfactory recovery of macular structures, especially the photoreceptor layer.

Intravitreal Brolucizumab for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy without Choroidal Neovascular Membrane - a Pilot Study

PURPOSE

To study intravitreal brolucizumab in the management of persistent macular fluid in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) without choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM).

METHODS

Retrospective case series which included eyes with chronic CSCR with persistent macular fluid for ≥ 3 months without CNVM. Intravitreal brolucizumab was administered in all eyes. Primary outcome measure was the resolution of intraretinal (IRF) and/or subretinal fluid (SRF) on OCT.

RESULTS

Five eyes (four patients) with chronic CSCR were included. All eyes showed complete resolution of SRF 1 month following injection. Minimal residual IRF was present in two eyes. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was stable in three eyes, and two eyes showed improvement. Central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) showed reduction.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal brolucizumab is effective in the rapid reduction of persistent macular fluid in chronic CSCR without CNVM. Long-term follow-up data are required to study recurrence and adverse effect profile.