Macular microvascular changes in resolved central serous chorioretinopaty using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate microvascular changes in the retina and choriocapillaris in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) patients with resolved serous detachment using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). 49 eyes of 46 patients with CSCR were included in the study. 32 eyes of 16 age-matched controls were included in the control group. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and OCTA were used. Choriocapillaris (CC) flow area, foveal avascular zone (FAZ), parafoveal vascular density of superficial and deep capillary plexus of the acute and chronic CSCR groups were compared with the values of the control group. Contrary to previous studies, OCTA data were obtained at a time when there was no serous detachment. This was because we aimed at minimizing erroneous measurements that might arise due to serous detachment. 1- The acute CSCR patients (1.705±0.292mm2) were found to have lower choriocapillaris (CC) flow area compared to the control group (2.155±0.069mm2). (P<0.001). Lower CC flow area was found in the chronic CSCR patients (1.774±0.216mm2) compared to the control group (2.155±0.069mm2) (P<0.001). 2- Chronic CSCR patients (49.27%±3.84) had a lower parafoveal density in the superficial capillary plexus compared to the control group (52.25%±2.85) (P<0.05). 3- No statistically significant difference was found between the acute CSCR group (55.07%±6.29) and chronic CSCR group (52.65%±5.18) in terms of parafoveal density in the deep capillary plexus when individually compared to the control group (53.34%±2.7). 4-A positive correlation was found between the parafoveal density in the deep capillary plexus and central foveal thickness (CFT) in the chronic CSCR group (r=0.382) (P˂0.05) 5- No statistically significant difference was found in the FAZ of the acute CSCR group (0.258±0.054mm2) and chronic CSCR group (0.342±0.124mm2) when individually compared to the control group (0.311±0.1mm2). The largest mean FAZ area was found in the chronic CSCR group. Our study showed that the pathogenesis of CSCR is characterized by choriocapillaris and retinal microvascular changes.