Choroidal Vascular Hyperpermeability Research Articles

Analysis of fundus fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography and choroidal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy

To evaluate the characteristics of choroidal thickness changes and abnormalities in choroidal circulation in cases of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). This was a case control study, we measured the bilateral choroidal thickness in 21 patients with unilateral CSC and 24 eyes of 24 age- and sex-matched normal subjects using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). The choroid was measured from the posterior edge of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the choroid-scleral junction at 500 µm intervals of a horizontal section from 3 mm temporal to the fovea to 3 mm nasal to the fovea. Paired-samples t-test was conducted to compare mean choroidal thicknesses between symptomatic eyes and fellow eyes of patients. The datum between patients and normal subjects were analyzed by independent-samples t-test. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were performed and the digital images were analyzed in CSC patients. The 21 CSC patients had a mean age of 45.6 years, and 12 patients (57.1%) were male. The choroid in symptomatic eyes was thickest beneath the fovea (519.0 ± 102.5) µm. It was significantly thicker than that in the fellow eyes (439.3 ± 94.1) µm (t = 4.171, P < 0.05). Choroidal thickness in both groups was significantly greater than that in the eyes of age- and sex-matched normal subjects (332.0 ± 67.3) µm (t = 7.125, 4.441; P < 0.05). Choroidal thickness at each of the other 12 points showed a similar tendency (t = 2.544 to 3.819, 4.799 to 7.816, 2.487 to 5.236; P < 0.05). ICGA showed a choroidal filling delay (100%), vessels dilation (90.5%), and focal choroidal hyperfluorescence (100%) surrounding leakage from the RPE in symptomatic eyes. Pigment epithelium detachment with abnormal choroidal circulation was observed in 6 fellow eyes. In 4 symptomatic eyes and 11 fellow eyes, ICGA revealed choroidal hyperfluorescence but FFA showed normal appearance. CSC seems to be a bilateral eye disease with choroidal focal ischemia followed by vessels congestion and hyperpermeability. EDI OCT is a useful tool for monitoring choroidal thickness changes caused by choroidal vascular hyperpermeability.

Changes of choroidal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy

To determine the quantitative changes of choroidal thickness in central serous chorioretinopathy. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-three patients with unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in acute and chronic stages were diagnosed after fluorescein angiography, indocyanine angiography and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI OCT). EDI OCT scan across the fovea was performed in each eye and the result was compared with that from an age-, sex-matched and spherical equivalent-matched control subject. Subfoveal thickness of choroid was calculated by a onboard software in HRA2. Choroidal thickness in the CSC eyes and the fellow eyes was (464.43 ± 97.15) µm and (399.91 ± 124.01) µm, respectively. No significant difference between the two groups (t = 4.653, P < 0.05). Choroidal thickness was (313.09 ± 70.67) µm in the control group. There was statistically significant difference in thickness between the CSC group and the control group (t = 5.077, -2.085; P < 0.05). Choroidal thickness in the fellow eyes with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability was (506.44 ± 75.66) µm, which was differed significantly (t = 4.749, P < 0.05)from the non-hypermeability eyes (331.43 ± 97.94) µm. Subfoveal choroid thickness in the symptomatic eye and the fellow eyes in CSC group is thicker than that of the control group. The subfoveal choroidal thickness of eyes with hypermeability is thicker than that in the non-hypermeability eyes. EDI-OCT is a noninvasive procedure which can be used to evaluate the choroidal hypermeability in CSC.

Relationship Between Clinical Characteristics of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy and Choroidal Vascular Hyperpermeability

To investigate the relationship between the clinical characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability seen on indocyanine green angiography. Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series. We reviewed the medical records and the angiograms of 89 patients with PCV. The relationship between choroidal vascular hyperpermeability and background factors, associated clinical manifestations, and treatment responses to intravitreal injections of ranibizumab were evaluated. Of the 89 patients with PCV, 31 patients (34.8%) demonstrated choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. The patients with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability more frequently showed bilateral neovascular membrane than those without choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (P=.009) and had a significant relationship with a history of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) (P=.01). Of the 98 eyes with treatment-naïve PCV, 34 eyes with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability demonstrated significantly greater subfoveal thickness than the 64 eyes without choroidal vascular hyperpermeability (P < .001). However, no significant relationship was found between choroidal vascular hyperpermeability and the other biomicroscopic and angiographic phenotypes of PCV. Three monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab were performed on 57 patients with treatment-naïve PCV, and the presence of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability was significantly related to the persistent retinal fluid 1month after the third ranibizumab injection (P=.01). The patients with PCV associated with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability more frequently demonstrated bilateral neovascular membrane, a history of CSC, a thickened choroid, and poor responses to intravitreal injections of ranibizumab than those without choroidal vascular hyperpermeability.

Development of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in unaffected fellow eyes

PurposeTo assess longitudinal changes and determine their angiographic risk factors in the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 47 patients with...

Choroidal Thickness, Vascular Hyperpermeability, and Complement Factor H in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

To investigate the relationship between subfoveal choroidal thickness, choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, and complement factor H (CFH) gene polymorphism in typical age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Fifty-eight patients with typical AMD and 63 patients with PCV underwent fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography (IA), and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) using enhanced depth imaging (EDI). Subfoveal choroidal thickness was measured using EDI-OCT images, and choroidal hyperpermeability was evaluated using late-phase IA images. The major AMD-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 86 patients. Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly lower in eyes with typical AMD than that in eyes with PCV (P = 0.025). Subfoveal choroidal thickness was greater in eyes with choroidal hyperpermeability than that in eyes without it in typical AMD (P < 0.001) and PCV (P = 0.020), and in the fellow eyes of typical AMD (P < 0.001) and PCV (P = 0.027). In eyes without choroidal hyperpermeability, the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was greater in PCV than that in typical AMD (P = 0.001). Choroidal thickness decreased after photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal ranibizumab in typical AMD (P = 0.016) and PCV (P = 0.036). In eyes with PCV, the I62V polymorphism in the CFH gene contributed to choroidal thickness (P = 0.043). Choroidal thickness is related to the AMD subtypes, choroidal hyperpermeability, and I62V CFH gene polymorphism. In eyes without choroidal hyperpermeability, EDI-OCT is useful as an auxiliary measure for differentiating typical AMD and PCV.

Assessment of Macular Choroidal Thickness by Optical Coherence Tomography and Angiographic Changes in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

To investigate the relationship between macular choroidal thickness measured by high-penetrating swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and angiographic findings in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Prospective cross-sectional case series. Thirty-four patients with CSC (44 eyes) and 17 volunteer subjects (17 normal eyes). All subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic and SS-OCT prototype examination. All patients with CSC also underwent simultaneous fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (IA). Mean regional choroidal thickness measurements on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) layout and squared sector grids were obtained by 3-dimensional raster scanning using SS-OCT. Macular choroidal thickness and angiographic abnormalities. Mean whole macular choroidal thickness in eyes with CSC (total, 329.3±83.0 μm; classic CSC, 326.9±83.1 μm; chronic CSC, 325.4±93.3 μm; and multifocal posterior pigment epitheliopathy, 359.0±15.5 μm) was greater than that in normal eyes (233.0±67.0 μm) (P < 0.001). In unilateral cases, mean whole macular choroidal thickness was greater in eyes with unilateral CSC than in unaffected fellow eyes (P=0.021). There was no significant difference in choroidal thickness between active eyes and resolved eyes in any of the ETDRS sectors. Mean choroidal thickness was greater in areas with leakage on FA than in areas without leakage (P=0.001). Mean choroidal thickness was greater in areas with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability and in areas with punctate hyperfluorescent spots on IA than in unaffected areas (P<0.001 for both). Increased choroidal thickness was observed in the whole macular area of eyes with any of the CSC subtypes. Choroidal thickness was related to leakage from the retinal pigment epithelium, choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, and punctate hyperfluorescent lesions. These findings provide evidence that CSC may be caused by focally increased hydrostatic pressure in the choroid.

Choroidal thickness in both eyes of patients with unilaterally active central serous chorioretinopathy

To assess the change in the choroidal thickness of the unaffected eyes in patients with unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Thirty eyes with unilateral idiopathic CSC and 30 age-matched normal eyes were included in this study. Choroidal thickness was evaluated from images obtained by enhanced depth image optical coherence tomography. The choroidal thicknesses of the affected eyes, unaffected eyes, and normal eyes were analyzed. Choroidal vascular dilation and hyperpermeability on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) were analyzed and correlated with the changes in choroidal thickness. The mean choroidal thicknesses of the affected eyes, unaffected fellow eyes, and normal individuals were 445.58±100.25, 378.35±117.44, and 266.80±55.45 μm, respectively. Compared with normal eyes, subfoveal choroidal thickness was increased significantly in the eyes with active CSC and in the unaffected fellow eyes (P<0.001 in both groups). The choroidal thickness was significantly greater in the eyes with active CSC than in the unaffected fellow eyes (P=0.003). ICGA revealed choroidal vascular hyperpermeability in 28 (93.3%) eyes with CSC and in 23 (73.3%) unaffected fellow eyes. Choroidal vascular dilation was detected in 21 (70.0%) eyes with CSC and in 18 (60.0%) unaffected fellow eyes. Increased choroidal thickness in patients with unilateral CSC was noted not only in the affected eyes, but also in the unaffected fellow eyes. The results of this study suggest that CSC might be an essentially bilateral disorder.

ONE-YEAR CHOROIDAL THICKNESS RESULTS AFTER PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY

To retrospectively evaluate choroidal thickness 1 year after photodynamic therapy in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy using optical coherence tomography. Central serous chorioretinopathy was diagnosed using fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography was used to evaluate choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. We measured the subfoveal choroidal thickness using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Thirteen eyes (13 patients; average age, 56.8 years) with central serous chorioretinopathy were observed 1 year after half-dose photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased significantly from 397 ± 108 μm at baseline to 323 ± 120 μm at 1 month, 312 ± 117 μm at 3 months, 317 ± 117 μm at 6 months, and 321 ± 122 μm at 1 year (P < 0.01, for each comparison with baseline). However, the subfoveal choroid thickness significantly increased 2 days after photodynamic therapy to 441 ± 120 (P < 0.01) compared with baseline. Central serous chorioretinopathy did not recur in any patient. Indocyanine green angiography images at 3 months showed less choroidal vascular hyperpermeability compared with baseline. Half-dose photodynamic therapy for central serous chorioretinopathy resulted in thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness 1 month after treatment, decreased the choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, and maintained the remission for 1 year. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography was helpful for monitoring the pathophysiologic choroidal changes in central serous chorioretinopathy.

SUBFOVEAL CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN FELLOW EYES OF PATIENTS WITH CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY

To evaluate the subfoveal choroidal thickness in the fellow eyes of patients with CSC, a disease often associated with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability even in eyes without subretinal fluid. In this observational cross-sectional study, we measured the bilateral subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with unilateral CSC using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Areas of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability were visualized with indocyanine green angiography. Sixty-six consecutive Japanese patients (50 men, 16 women; mean age, 52.8 years) with unilateral CSC were examined. The subfoveal choroid in symptomatic eyes was significantly thicker than that in fellow eye (414 ± 109 μm vs. 350 ± 116 μm, P < 0.001, respectively). The subfoveal choroid of eyes with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability was 410 ± 92 μm, which differed significantly (P < 0.001) from the choroid (239 ± 59 μm) of fellow eyes without choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. The subfoveal choroid in the fellow eyes of patients with CSC was thicker in the eyes with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. Enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography can assess the effects of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability by measuring the choroidal thickness noninvasively.

Study of choroidal vascular lesions in central serous chorioretinopathy using indocyanine green angiography

We performed fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiographies in 56 patients with central serous chorioretinopathy, and studied the choroidal lesions. In the early phase, choroidal filling with ICG was delayed in 77% in the area including focal leakage. Hypofluorescent findings around the site of focal leakage persisted through the phase in 23%, and we think this finding was caused by filling defect of the choriocapillaris. In the late phase, choroidal tissue staining by ICG was present in 82% in the area including focal leakage. Multiple areas of choroidal staining were also present in unaffected areas in 43% and in 62% of fellow eyes. Choroidal tissue staining by ICG was revealed in 48% in the area of choroidal filling delay, and this finding persisted after focal leakage had disappeared following photocoagulation. We think this finding was caused by choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. These findings suggest that choroidal circulatory disturbance and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability play a causative role in damage to the retinal pigment epithelium in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness after Treatment of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

To evaluate the subfoveal choroidal thickness after treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) visualized by enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI OCT) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Retrospective, comparative series. Twenty patients (20 eyes). The subfoveal choroidal thickness and height of the serous retinal detachment before and after treatment was measured using EDI OCT. Areas of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability were visualized with ICGA. Eyes with classic CSC were treated with laser photocoagulation (LP), whereas eyes with chronic CSC, which are not amenable to LP, were treated with half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT). Change in choroidal thickness and height of the serous retinal detachment after treatment. There were 12 eyes in the LP group and 8 eyes in the PDT group. The serous subretinal fluid resolved in both groups after treatment. In the LP group, the mean choroidal thickness was 345+/-127 microm at baseline and 340+/-124 microm at 4 weeks, a difference that was not significant (P = 0.2). The mean choroidal thickness in the PDT group increased significantly from 389+/-106 microm at baseline to 462+/-124 microm (P = 0.008) by 2 days after treatment, and then reduced rapidly to 360+/-100 microm (P = 0.001) at 1 week and 330+/-103 microm (P<0.001) after 4 weeks as compared with baseline. Indocyanine green angiography showed decreased hyperpermeability in the PDT group after treatment. The subretinal fluid resolved in both disease groups; however, the choroidal thickness and hyperpermeability seen during ICGA was reduced after PDT. These findings suggest that PDT reduces the choroidal vascular hyperpermeability seen in CSC and may work by a different mechanism than LP.

PUNCTATE HYPERFLUORESCENT SPOTS ASSOCIATED WITH CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY AS SEEN ON INDOCYANINE GREEN ANGIOGRAPHY

The purpose of this study was to examine indocyanine green angiography of eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). We retrospectively studied the medical records of 39 patients (41 eyes) with active CSC who were <50 years of age. All patients had undergone fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography using a confocal laser scanning system. On indocyanine green angiography, most patients showed choroidal abnormalities, such as filling delay, venous dilation, subretinal leakage, or focal areas of hyperfluorescence, that were attributed to choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. In addition, punctate hyperfluorescent spots were seen in 38 of 41 eyes (93%) with active CSC and in 29 of 37 fellow eyes (78%); these spots were seen in the macular area and outside the vascular arcade or in peripapillary locations, and they often appeared as clusters of distinct spots. A cluster of punctate hyperfluorescent spots was seen on midphase indocyanine green angiography, and focal areas of hyperfluorescence often appeared to expand with time from these punctate hyperfluorescent spots. Focal areas of hyperpermeability in CSC may be derived from the leakage of tiny punctate spots in the inner choroid. Hyperpermeability of these lesions may be involved in the development of serous retinal detachment associated with CSC.

INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB INJECTION FOR CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy. In this retrospective case series, six patients (six eyes) with central serous chorioretinopathy were treated with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. The outcome measures included visual acuity with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, central macular thickness measurement with optical coherence tomography, changes in fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. The mean age of the patients was 42.3 years and the mean follow-up period was 9.0 months (range, 5-12 months). Mean visual acuity +/- standard deviation increased from 40.8 +/- 8.3 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters at baseline to 49.0 +/- 5.0 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters at 1 month (P = 0.046) and to 53.3 +/- 5.2 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters at 3 months (P = 0.028). Mean central macular thickness +/- standard deviation decreased from 331.5 +/- 93.4 microm to 164 +/- 34 microm at 3 months (P = 0.043). Leakage on fluorescein angiography and hyperpermeability on indocyanine green angiography decreased in conjunction with improvement in central macular thickness observed by optical coherence tomography. Intravitreal bevacizumab injections resulted in improved visual acuity and anatomical results for central serous chorioretinopathy.

Subretinal Fluid Bleb After Successful Scleral Buckling and Cryotherapy for Retinal Detachment

To determine the characteristics of subretinal fluid (SRF) blebs after successful scleral buckling with cryotherapy as a treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) and to investigate their possible origin. Retrospective case series. The incidence of SRF bleb and the temporary aspects associated with the appearance and disappearance of the lesion were analyzed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to confirm SRF and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was carried out to evaluate choroidal circulation in some of the cases. SRF bleb was observed in 11 (9.3%) of 118 cases with the history of successful scleral buckling and cryotherapy. The lesions were detected 8.7 +/- 5.5 (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]) weeks after complete retinal reattachment, and the mean +/- SD period required for the disappearance of the lesion was 4.7 +/- 3.4 months. SRFs were verified by OCT in five cases of macular involvement. ICGA revealed choroidal vascular congestion and hyperpermeability near the lesion in three of four cases, and these vascular abnormalities remained unchanged after the removal of the scleral explant. SRF bleb after successful RD surgery disappears spontaneously within one year. The origin of the lesion may be associated with choroidal vascular changes resulting from cryotherapy.

Alterations of retinal pigment epithelium in central serous chorioretinopathy

To examine with en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) the alterations of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and their role in the pathophysiology of CSC. We examined retrospectively 30 consecutive eyes of 30 patients with various phases of CSC. All patients underwent fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and en face and longitudinal OCT examinations. Of 25 eyes with acute CSC, en face OCT showed RPE abnormalities in 22 eyes (88%) with pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in nine eyes (36%) and a small bulge of RPE in the posterior pole in 15 eyes (60%). Of four eyes with chronic CSC, OCT showed PED in one eye (25%) and a small bulge of RPE in other three eyes (75%). Of 29 eyes with acute or chronic CSC, fluorescein angiography showed characteristic pinpoint leakage in 20 eyes (69%). Of these 20 eyes, a leaking point was located within PEDs in five eyes (25%) and was consistent with the bulge of RPE in nine eyes (45%). With indocyanine green angiography, 28 (97%) eyes showed choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. Ten of the 11 eyes with PED (91%) showed PED within the areas of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. Sixteen of the 18 eyes with a bulge of RPE (89%) showed the bulge within areas of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. The one eye in the quiescent CSC exhibited multiple small PEDs within the areas of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability by en face OCT. En face OCT enables us to detect alterations of RPE in eyes with CSC. Most alterations of RPE were associated with choroidal abnormalities.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy with Choroidal Vascular Hyperpermeability

To describe the incidence and clinical characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) associated with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. Retrospective observational case series. We reviewed the medical records of 122 consecutive eyes with PCV and 106 consecutive eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography were performed using a confocal scanning laser system. In the midphase of ICG angiography, we evaluated choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, which is recognized as one of the characteristic findings in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Choroidal vascular hyperpermeability appeared as multifocal patchy areas of hyperfluorescence with blurred margins within the choroid that increased in intensity with time after injection of the dye. Of 122 eyes with PCV, 12 (9.8%) eyes of 10 patients exhibited multifocal choroidal hyperfluorescence in the midphase of ICG angiography, whereas two (1.9%) of 106 eyes with exudative AMD showed a similar appearance (P = .013). Of the 12 eyes in 10 patients with PCV that demonstrated multifocal choroidal hyperfluorescence, we also noted that the early phase of ICG angiography showed choroidal filling delay in seven eyes (58%) and venous dilation in 12 eyes (100%). Four of these 12 eyes (33%) had a medical history of CSC, and nine (90%) of the 10 patients revealed multifocal choroidal hyperfluorescence bilaterally. Multifocal choroidal hyperfluorescence seen by ICG angiography occurs more frequently in eyes with PCV than in those with AMD. Choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, reportedly a characteristic finding in CSC, might be one of the risk factors of PCV.

Indocyanine green videoangiography of older patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

The authors studied the indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography findings of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in older adults. Central serous chorioretinopathy in older adults may be confused with the exudative forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) because the two entities may have similar ophthalmoscopic and fluorescein angiographic findings. Because of its enhanced ability to image the choroidal circulation, ICG videoangiography has been used to describe certain choroidal vascular abnormalities in young adults with CSC, as well as older patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The ICG videoangiography findings in CSC in older adults is largely unknown. The authors performed ICG videoangiography on 36 patients aged 50 years or older with CSC to characterize their findings. The ICG videoangiography findings of the patients were consistent, revealing choroidal vascular hyperpermeability manifested by areas of hyperfluorescence that were first seen in the midphase of the angiogram. In the later phases of the angiogram, there were dispersion of the hyperfluorescence and a distinctive silhouetting of the larger choroidal vessels. Older patients with CSC have a unique temporal and topographic pattern of hyperpermeability that can help establish the proper diagnosis.

Digital Indocyanine Green Videoangiography of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Background: The pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is poorly understood. Abnormalities in the choroidal circulation have been hypothesized to be causative factors. Fluorescein angiography has not been particularly useful in identifying specific choroidal defects in CSC, largely because of inherent limitations in imaging with this technique. Recent technologic advances in digital indocyanine green videoangiography allow enhanced imaging of the choroid and other subretinal structures in comparison with fluorescein angiography. Methods: We performed digital indocyanine green videoangiography in 29 consecutive eyes with CSC and compared our results with clinical and fluorescein angiographic findings. Results: Several newly recognized subretinal abnormalities in CSC were noted with digital indocyanine green videoangiography, including (1) presumed hyperpermeability of the choroidal circulation surrounding active retinal pigment epithelial leaks, (2) additional focal and multifocal areas of presumed choroidal hyperpermeability not associated with abnormalities detectable by fluorescein angiography or clinical examination, and (3) multiple presumed occult serous retinal pigment epithelial detachments with a characteristic indocyanine green videoangiographic pattern. Conclusion: We suggest that the pathogenesis of CSC may be due to a choroidal vascular hyperpermeability with and without associated active pigment epithelial leaks and multiple presumed occult serous retinal pigment epithelial detachments. Based on these findings, a hypothetical model can be constructed related to the pathogenesis of CSC, beginning with choroidal abnormalities that secondarily affect the retinal pigment epithelium and neurosensory retina.