Central serous chorioretinopathy: A review

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is the fourth most common non-surgical retinopathy associated with fluid leakage. The pathogenesis is not yet completely understood, but changes in the choroid, sclera and RPE have been described associated with venous congestion of choroidal outflow. CSC can be categorised into acute, chronic, and recurrent subtypes with recent classifications of simple and complex based on the area of RPE change seen on fundus autofluorescence. A multimodal imaging approach is helpful in the diagnosis and management of CSC and secondary complications such as type 1 neovascularisation. Although spontaneous resolution with relatively good visual outcomes is common, treatment should be considered in patients with persistent or recurrent SRF. Treatment options include laser, systemic medications, intravitreal therapy, and surgery. Of these, argon laser for focal extramacular fluid leaks and photodynamic therapy of leakage identified by indocyanine-green angiography currently have the greatest supportive evidence.

Long-term results of focal laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy for the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term results of focal laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients with CSC, thirty-three of whom were treated with focal laser photocoagulation, and 29 with PDT and who were followed up for > 6 months, were enrolled. The focal laser was performed at sites of focal leakage (but not subfoveal leaks) shown in fluorescein angiography. PDT was performed at sites of subfoveal or juxtafoveal focal leakage or not definite focal leakages. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) and recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

The follow-up duration of the focal laser group was 35.2 ± 22.6 and of the PDT group, 46.4 ± 21.5 months. Time to resolution of SRF was 1.8 ± 1.5 months for the focal laser group and 1.2 ± 0.5 months for the PDT group. SRF was rapidly absorbed in the PDT group. In both groups, the CMT was decreased 1 month after treatment. The BCVA improved significantly 1 month after treatment in the focal laser group and 3 months after treatment in the PDT group. However, there was no significant difference in CMT reduction and BCVA improvement between the two groups. It subsequently remained similar for up to 3 years. Ten patients (30.3%) in the focal laser group and three patients (10%) in the PDT group recurred during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT showed early resolution of the SRF compared to focal laser. In CSC patients, both the CMT and BCVA remained stable for 3 years after treatment. After 3 or more years of follow-up, PDT showed a lower recurrence rate than focal laser.