Persistent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Research Articles

Effective Focal Laser Photocoagulation for Persistent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Forgotten Technique.

We report a case of a patient with persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) who was on the waiting list for half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT). As the patient's visual function began to deteriorate, patient opted for focal laser photocoagulation (FLP) targeting the presumed leakage site in the superior part of the macula. One month after the FLP treatment, there was complete resolution of SRF accompanied by improved visual function. In light of global verteporfin shortages, limited access to PDT centers, and poor efficacy from other treatment modalities, FLP emerges as an effective treatment option for CSC patients with extrafoveal leakage. Yet, many CSC patients with extrafoveal leakage, who could be effectively treated with FLP, are often merely monitored, experiencing fluctuating SRF and a gradual, irreversible vision decline. Despite FLP's historical presence in CSC treatment, our case serves as an important reminder for retinal specialists to reconsider this treatment approach in selected CSC patients.

Functional Outcomes and Safety Profile of Trans-Foveal Subthreshold Micropulse Laser in Persistent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

Our study evaluated visual function changes after subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) treatment in persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and SML safety profile. We conducted a prospective study including 31 fovea-involving CSC patients. The natural course was observed for the first 3 months, SML was performed at 3 months, and SML effectiveness was observed at 6 months. At all three clinical visits, optical coherence tomography (OCT), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (CS) in five spatial frequencies (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 18.0 cycles per degree (cpd)), microperimetry (MP), and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) were performed. The SML safety profile was evaluated with functional and morphological parameters. In the cohort of all CSC patients treated with SML, the statistically significant average improvement was observed in BCVA (p = 0.007), CS-1.5 (p = 0.020), CS-3.0 (p = 0.050), CS-12.0 (p < 0.001), CS-18.0 (p = 0.002), CS (CS-A) (p < 0.001), MP in the central ring (MP-C) (p = 0.020), peripheral ring (MP-P) (p = 0.042), and average retinal sensitivity (MP-A) (p = 0.010). After the SML treatment, mean changes in mfERG amplitudes and implicit times in our cohort were not statistically significant. No morphological or functional adverse effects of SML treatment were observed. SML treatment in persistent CSC episodes leads to significant functional improvement and has an excellent safety profile.

Quantitative Analysis of Choroidal Morphology Using Multimodal Imaging in Acute and Persistent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

To analyze quantitative differences in choroidal morphology between acute and persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using multimodal images. Ultra-widefield indocyanine green angiography (UWICGA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of 72 eyes of 72 patients with acute (32 eyes) and persistent (40 eyes) CSC were collected. Choroidal thickness, area, vessel density, symmetry, and intervortex anastomosis were assessed. The choroidal area on OCT B-scan images was smaller and the choroidal vessel density on UWICGA images was lower in the persistent group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.028, respectively). Choroidal vessel density on UWICGA showed positive correlation with that of vortex ampullae (all P ≤ 0.046). The constitution of the intervortex anastomosis and dominant vessels in the macular area showed differences between the groups (P = 0.014 and P = 0.010, respectively), with greater inferonasal vessel participation in the anastomosis and combined supero- and inferotemporal vessels as dominant vessels in the persistent groups. Acute and persistent CSC differed in subfoveal choroidal area, choroidal vessel density, intervortex anastomosis constitution on UWICGA images. Choroidal vessel density on UWICGA images correlated with that of vortex ampullae. These findings enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of CSC subtypes.

Practical treatment options for persistent central serous chorioretinopathy and early visual and anatomical outcomes.

Persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (pCSC) may be treated by laser photocoagulation (PC), selective retina therapy (SRT), or photodynamic therapy (PDT). We conducted retrospective analyses regarding the choice of therapy for pCSC in the best clinical practice and the outcomes of these modalities. A retrospective interventional study. The records of 71 eyes of 68 treatment naïve pCSC cases who underwent PC, SRT, or PDT were reviewed. First, the baseline clinical parameters were evaluated to find significant factors associated with the choice of treatment option. Second, the 3 months' visual and anatomical outcomes of each modality were assessed. The PC, SRT, and PDT groups included 7, 22, and 42 eyes, respectively. The leakage pattern in fluorescein angiography (FA) was significantly associated with the choice of treatment (p<0.005). The dry macula ratio at 3 months post-treatment was 29%, 59%, and 81% in the PC, SRT, and PDT groups, respectively, which significantly differed among the groups (p<0.01). The best-corrected visual acuities tended to be improved after the treatments in all groups. Central choroidal thickness (CCT) was significantly decreased in all groups (p<0.05, p<0.01, and p<0.00001, in PC, SRT, and PDT groups, respectively). Logistic regression analysis for dry macula revealed that SRT (p<0.05), PDT (p<0.05), and the changes in CCT (p<0.01)were the significant association factors. The leakage pattern in FA was associated with the choice of treatment option for pCSC. PDT achieved a significantly higher dry macula ratio than PC, 3 months after the treatment.

532 nm versus 810 nm subthreshold micropulse laser in treatment of non-resolving central serous chorioretinopathy: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe relative efficacy of 532 nm subthreshold micropulse laser in comparison to the 810 nm subthreshold micropulse laser, in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy is not known. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial included 99 eyes each in groups A and B. Key inclusion criteria were: (i) vision loss for minimum three months due to persistent central serous chorioretinopathy; (ii) focal leaks (upto two leaks) on fundus fluorescein angiography. Key exclusion criteria were: (i) history of prior treatment for central serous chorioretinopathy; (ii) absence of any leak/ presence of diffuse leaks/ >2 leaks on fundus fluorescein angiography; (iii) chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. All eyes were treated with subthreshold micropulse laser (group A: 532 nm green laser; group B: 810 nm diode laser). Best-corrected visual acuity, autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and fundus fluorescein angiography, were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. Laser was repeated in nor-responders at 3 months. ResultsThere was a statistically significant improvement in BCVA in both groups six months post laser. Between the two groups, a comparable proportion of eyes showed complete resolution of subretinal fluid at one month, three months and at six months. No adverse effect of laser was observed in either group. ConclusionBoth 532 nm STMP laser and 810 nm STMP laser have comparable structural and functional outcomes in the treatment of non-resolving CSC. There are no adverse effects related to either of the two wavelengths.

Biomarkers predicting central serous chorioretinopathy episode persistence.

The purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers at presentation that are associated with a persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) episode. The prospective study included 35 patients with an acute CSC episode. Potential clinical and imaging biomarkers were evaluated at baseline and 3 months from the episode onset. As biomarkers age, sex, steroid use, episode recurrence, central retinal thickness (CRT), macular volume (MV), choroidal thickness (CT), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, and width, number of retinal hyperreflective foci (HF), leakage pattern, and area of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) alterations were investigated. At 3 months from the CSC episode onset, spontaneous resolution occurred in 19 patients, while 16 patients had a persistent CSC episode. The group of patients with a persistent episode was statistically significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.032), older age (p = 0.015), wider PED (p = 0.005), and higher number of HF (p = 0.02). Moreover, this group of patients had a significant association with thinner choroid and diffuse RPE alterations as a pair (p = 0.008). Older and female CSC patients with wider PED, increased number of HF, thinner choroid, and diffuse RPE alterations at presentation are inclined to episode persistence and could benefit from earlier treatment.

Evaluation of the choroidal vascularity index after subthreshold yellow laser treatment in the patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

To assess the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) after subthreshold laser treatment in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). A total of 32 eyes with CSC were included in this study. In group 1, 14 eyes with persistent CSC were treated with the PASCAL (Endpoint Management Software) at 577-nm wavelength and in group 2, 18 eyes without treatment. The luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), total area of choroid (TA), and CVI were measured by binarization (ImageJ) of optical coherence tomography images. Changes of choroidal structure parameters were evaluated over 3 months. A significant decrease was observed in LA, TA, and CVI at the third month after the laser treatment (p = 0.018, p = 0.024, p = 0.046). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and choriocapillaris plexus (CCP) flow area values were increased after treatment in group 1 (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). The final subfoveal fluid height, and CVI were lower in group 1 (p = 0.003, p = 0.011). The visual acuity and CCP flow area were higher in group 1 at the third month (p < 0.001, p = 0.003). A positive correlation between the final BCVA and CVI was observed (r = 0.539, p = 0.01). Decreased CVI was observed in CSC eyes after subthreshold yellow laser treatment. The CVI may be a useful index to evaluate the response to treatment.

Early changes in choriocapillaris flow voids as an efficacy biomarker of photodynamic therapy in central serous chorioretinopathy

PurposeTo assess the early changes produced in the choriocapillaris (CC) and choroidal vasculature using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in patients with persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) as predictors of the efficacy after photodynamic therapy (PDT). MethodsProspective observational study in 52 eyes of 52 patients with persistent subretinal fluid (SRF). SS-OCTA scans of the 6 × 6 mm macular region were assessed before; 2–3 days, one month and three months after half-fluence PDT. Vessel occlusion in the CC and choroid was measured as flow signal voids (FSV). ResultsA 3.67 ± 4.12 and 2.76 ± 3.63 fold increase in CC and CH FSV, due to vessel occlusion, was observed at 2–3 days after PDT versus baseline. There was less SRF at 3 months in patients with an increase in FSV (≥1-fold) compared to those without this increase (<1-fold) after PDT (p ≤ 0.003). An association between the increase in CC and choroidal FSV at the early control (2–3 days) and the height of SRF at 1 month was found (R=-0.405; p = 0.002 and R=-0.356; p = 0.008 respectively). In a multivariate model, the SRF at one month was not associated with age, gender, visual acuity, or FSV (p ≥ 0.288). At 3 months, flow restoration was achieved in the choroid versus the baseline (p = 0.619), but there was a persistent increase in the CC FSV (p = 0.008). ConclusionsEarly vessel occlusion by OCTA after PDT in CSCR was associated with good treatment response. Therefore, an increase in FSV immediately after PDT could be a biomarker to predict SRF resorption.

Visual acuity correlates with multimodal imaging-based categories of central serous chorioretinopathy.

To evaluate visual acuity (VA) and factors influencing VA using new multimodal imaging-based classification of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Retrospective, observational and cross-sectional study on 229 naïve eyes diagnosed as CSCR with available baseline data and multimodal imaging. Each case was classified into (i) simple/complex/atypical; (ii) primary/recurrent/resolved; (iii) persistent or not; (iv) outer retinal atrophy(ORA) present/absent; (v) foveal involvement present/absent; and (vi) macular neovascularization(MNV) present/absent. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was correlated to the classification as well as every parameter of the classification. Median BCVA was 0.18 logMAR [95% Confidence Interval (CI)0.16-0.18] with median duration of complaints of one month (95% CI,6.14-13.0 months). Age of the patient (r = -0.24, p = 0.002) and duration of the disease (r = -0.32, p < 0.001) correlated significantly with BCVA. Logistic regression model showed that older age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, p = 0.05], female gender (OR = 2.45, p = 0.046), presence of ORA(OR = 0.34, p = 0.012),and foveal involvement(OR = 0.18, p = 0.007) were statistically significantly associated with poorer BCVA. Eyes classified as complex, persistent CSCR, with ORA or foveal involvement demonstrated lower BCVA compared to those with simple, non-persistent CSCR, without ORA or without foveal involvement (p < 0.05). Eyes with complex CSCR (p < 0.001), atypical CSCR(p = 0.025), persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) (p = 0.001) and those with ORA (p < 0.001) demonstrated a trend towards severe visual loss. Prevalence of persistent SRF, recurrent episodes and ORA was significantly higher among eyes with complex CSCR (p < 0.001) while there was no difference in prevalence of resolved cases (p = 0.07), foveal involvement (p = 0.28) and MNV (p = 0.45) between simple and complex cases. There is a strong correlation between VA and foveal involvement and ORA using the new classification. Thus, the objective parameters of the classification can be incorporated in establishing the treatment guidelines for CSCR.

Central serous chorioretinopathy and vitelliform dystrophies occurring in adults: predictors of differential diagnosis

AIM: To study predictors in order to optimize the differential diagnosis of persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and different forms of vitelliform dystrophies occurring in adults.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety eyes of 61 patients with long-term serous retinal detachments were recruited in study. All patients underwent ophthalmologic examination including family history, best corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, and multimodal imaging including fundus photo, SD-OCT, OCT-A, BAF, FA, ICGA. After the studies, the patients were divided into two groups: with vitelliform dystrophies 30 eyes of 30 patients and with CSCR 31 eyes of 31 patients. Diagnostic predictors found in both groups were scrutinized, mathematical models were obtained, and their recognition quality was assessed by the area under ROC curve. The criteria for all types of research were studied and the predictive value was assessed with the use of ROC analysis.&#x0D; RESULTS: The most informative non-invasive predictors for the diagnosis of vitelliform dystrophies occurring in adults are the following: a positive family history of the disease, brightness and gradient of hyperautofluorescence (hyperAF), typical hyperAF in the form of a crescent and beads, the presence of massive subretinal deposits and deposits in the form of stalactites. The most informative non-invasive predictors for the diagnosis of persistent CSCR are the following: additional hypoAF or hyperAF points or areas outside the main focus, hyperreflective dots in the neurosensory retina and an increase in choroidal thickness, irregular pigment epithelial detachments, presence of CNV. The highest predictive value for both groups was determined for BAF studies.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained make it possible to optimize the differential diagnosis of persistent CSCR and different forms of vitelliform dystrophies occurring in adults.

Selective retina therapy (SRT) in patients with therapy refractory persistent acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC): 3\xa0months functional and morphological results

PurposeCentral serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a disease presenting with detachment of the neurosensory retina and characteristic focal leakage on fluorescein angiography. The spontaneous remission rate is 84% within 6 months. In this study, the efficacy of selective retina therapy (SRT) was examined in patients with therapy refractory persistent acute CSC defined by symptoms for at least 6 months and persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) despite eplerenone therapy.Material and methodsThis is a prospective, monocentric observational study in 17 eyes (16 patients, mean age 42 years, 2 female). SRT was performed with the approved R:GEN laser (Lutronic, South Korea), a micropulsed 527-nm Nd:YLF laser device, with a train of 30 pulses of 1.7 μs at 100-Hz repetition rate at the point of focal leakage determined by fluorescein angiography (FA) at baseline (BSL). Visits on BSL, week 4 (wk4), and week 12 (wk12) included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMar), central retinal thickness (CRT) on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and FA. Statistical analysis was performed by pair-by-pair comparisons of multiple observations in each case with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. (IBM SPSS Statistics 25®).ResultsMean CRT at BSL was 387.69 ± 110.4 μm. CRT significantly decreased by 106.31 μm in wk4 (95%-KI: 21.42–191.2; p = 0.01), by 133.63 μm in wk12 (95%-KI: 50.22–217.03; p = 0.001) and by 133.81 μm (95%-KI: 48.88–218.75; p = 0.001) compared to BSL. Treatment success defined as complete resolution of SRF occurred at wk4 in 7/17 eyes (35.3%) and at wk12 in 10/17 eyes (58.8%). Re-SRT was performed in 7/17 eyes (41.2%) after an average of 107.14 ± 96.59 days. Treatment success after Re-SRT was observed in 4/6 eyes (66.6%, 12 weeks after Re-SRT). Mean BCVA did not change significantly from BSL to any later timepoint after adjusting for multiple testing. Notably, eyes with treatment success showed better BCVA at all timepoints and gained more letters compared to failures.ConclusionSingle or repetitive SRT may be an effective and safe treatment in 2 of 3 patients suffering from acute persistent CSC after 6 months of symptoms or more. We observed complete resolution of SRF in around 60% of eyes 12 weeks after first SRT treatment and also 12 weeks after Re-SRT treatment in eyes with persistent or recurrent SRF. Results on the long-term course after SRT are still pending.

Modified Low Power Mode Laser for the Treatment of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

PurposeLow power mode (LPM) can be used for subthreshold retinal laser treatment by simply adjusting the laser parameters. Herein, we report the use of a modified LPM laser treatment for four cases of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of four patients (four eyes) with persistent CSCR who underwent modified LPM laser for leakage. The laser power was first titrated with a barely visible burn, and then treatment was applied using 33% laser energy by manually adjusting the laser power and duration.ResultsSerous retinal detachment completely resolved in all cases by 2 months after treatment. Autofluorescence images did not show any specific changes induced by laser burns.ConclusionA modified LPM laser may provide a feasible treatment for persistent CSCR.

Oral Spironolactone versus Conservative Treatment for Non-Resolving Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Real-Life Practice.

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of oral spironolactone treatment versus conservative treatment for patients with persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in real-life practice.DesignRetrospective comparative study.Patients and MethodsMedical records and retinal images of 62 patients with non-resolving CSC were reviewed. Twenty-one patients received oral spironolactone (50 mg/day) while 41 patients received conservative treatment. Primary outcome was proportion of eyes with complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) within 6 months. Secondary outcome measures included changes in SRF height, central macular thickness (CMT), lesion size and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The occurrence of drug side effect was also assessed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in demographic data, clinical characteristics, optical coherence tomography parameters and leaking patterns in fluorescein fundus angiography between two groups. Complete resolution of SRF was significantly higher and faster in the spironolactone group than the conservative treatment group (p=0.03). Although significant anatomical improvement in SRF height, CMT and lesion size were observed in both groups (p < 0.001), final BCVA was improved significantly in only the spironolactone group (p < 0.05). The recurrence of SRF after complete resolution was observed in 4/12 eyes (33.33%) in the treatment group. None of the patients experienced any side effects of spironolactone.ConclusionOral spironolactone (50 mg/day) could achieve both significant anatomical and visual improvement, while the significant visual gain could not be provided with the conservative treatment. Spironolactone should be considered as an alternative treatment option in non-resolving CSC patients who cannot afford the PDT treatment.

Risk Factors for Persistent or Recurrent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

Purpose To investigate the risk factors for persistent or recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Materials and Methods Consecutive treatment-naïve CSC patients were included from January 2017 to October 2018. All patients were asked to complete questionnaires, addressing previously described risk factors for the development of CSC. Patients were divided into two groups: those with acute CSC, who were in the first episode, with spontaneous resolution of subretinal fluid within 3 months, and with no recurrence within 1 year; and those with persistent or recurrent CSC, the remaining patients. Results In total, 138 patients were enrolled: 20 (14.5%) with acute CSC and 118 (85.5%) with persistent or recurrent CSC. Using multivariate analysis, male sex (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval: 5.63 [1.02–31.02]; p=0.047), older age (OR: 1.14 [1.03–1.25]; p=0.008), and higher Insomnia Severity Index score (OR: 1.30 [1.05–1.60]; p=0.015) were found to be independently associated with persistent or recurrent CSC. Conclusions Male sex, age, and sleep disorders are risk factors for persistent or recurrent CSC in the natural history. These patients may require early photodynamic therapy. Treatment for sleep disorders is strongly recommended. All CSC patients may require careful and periodic follow-up.

Effect of altering the regime of oral rifampicin therapy in the treatment of persistent central serous chorioretinopathy.

Objective:To study the effect of reducing the duration of rifampicin therapy in the treatment of Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.Methods:This is interventional study conducted in Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust, Free Base Eye Hospital Korangi, Karachi from February 2017 - December 2018. This randomized controlled comparative study included two groups, Groups-A comprised of 48 eyes of 40 cases with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy who were given reduced dose of oral rifampicin i.e. 600mg for one month, and Group-B consisted of 43 eyes of 40 controls with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy who were given reduced dose of oral rifampicin i.e. 300mg once daily for three months as previously stated in literature. To access the effect of therapy in both the groups, pre-treatment visual acuity on the logMAR and Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT, Heidelberg spectralis) for CMT were performed and repeated on the 1st and 3rd month post-treatment. Patients were also followed for 6 months to access any recurrence.Results:On comparing the two groups, Group-A had improvement in VA and CMT after one month therapy of Rifampicin, Pre-treatment mean VA in Group-A was 0.85 ± 0.19 as compared to the pre-treatment mean VA in Group-B i.e. 0.74+/- 0.208, while the pre-treatment mean CMT was 609.0 ± 178.29 µm in Group-A, and 600.0 +/- 155.09 µm in Group-B respectively. After 1 month of therapy, the visual status, and CMT in Group-A was 0.29+/- 0.21 and 311.6 +/- 89.9, while Group-B, VA was 0.598 +/- 0.23 (p value 0.001%) and CMT was 512.30 +/- 148.37 (p-value 0.001%). Rifampicin was continued in Group-B till three months, and patients were re-accessed but there was no difference in VA and CMT statically. During the 3rd and 6th months of follow up no relapses were reported.Conclusion:This comparative study showed that the group receiving oral rifampicin 600mg for one month showed better outcome at one month and third month than the group receiving oral rifampicin at a dose of 300mg once daily for three months. This gives a better compliance and lower the risk of drug induced side effects.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Quantitative Assessment of Choriocapillaris Blood Flow in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

To investigate choriocapillaris (CC) blood flow in unaffected fellow eyes of patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) analysis. Case-control study. Patients with acute, recurrent, or persistent CSC, along with healthy sex- and age-matched subjects, were included. Objective assessment of CC blood flow was performed using OCTA measurements. Total area of flow signal voids was quantified at baseline, 3months, and 6months. Active serous retinal detachment (SRD) was considered as a potential source of false-positive flow impairment; affected eyes were therefore excluded at onset and during follow-up, if this finding was unresolved at the time of measurement. Sixty patients with CSC and 60 control subjects were included in this study. The total average flow signal void area was significantly higher in the unaffected eyes of CSC patients at baseline (2.70 ± 0.53mm2 vs 2.23 ± 0.43mm2, P < .001). At 3months, the total average flow signal void area was greater in the affected eyes of CSC patients with resolved SRD compared with unaffected eyes (3.25 ± 0.77mm2 vs 2.67 ± 0.68mm2, P < .001). This total average flow signal void area was larger in unaffected eyes at baseline in recurrent/persistent cases of CSC compared to acute forms (3.74 ± 0.66mm2 vs 2.93 ± 0.69mm2, P= .01). Vascular abnormalities in CSC involve CC hypoperfusion, suggestive of a primary choroidopathy including ischemic processes. These microvascular flow deficits may constitute one of a number of underlying subclinical changes preceding CSC and other pachychoroid spectrum disorders.

Intravitreal Aflibercept for the Treatment of Subacute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

Purpose: To evaluate the role of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) for treating persistent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) of more than 6 weeks. Methods: AFlibercept Efficacy in Cscr Treatment (NCT01971190) was a 6-month, phase 2, multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial at 6 clinical sites in Korea. Forty-three patients were randomized into group 1 (29) with 3 monthly IVA administrations or group 2 (14) with sham treatment and followed for 6 months with pro re nata (PRN) IVA. Patients could be retreated with IVA when they met the eligibility criteria for this. The primary end point was a mean change in central subfield thickness (CST) from baseline. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CST were checked monthly. Data from a subgroup with long-term follow-up in a real-life practice were also compared. Results: After 3 months of treatment, group 1 had a greater change in mean CST (173.97 vs 80.15 µm; P = .001) and BCVA improvement (10.38 vs 8.62 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters; P = .52) than group 2. Among patients whose disease had lasted ≥3 months, BCVA improvement was significantly better in group 1 than in group 2 after 3 months (12.0 vs −2.7 letters; P = .007), and the percentage of eyes requiring PRN IVA was lower in group 1 (50% vs 100%). These differences were attenuated at 6 months but maintained during additional 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: Intravitreal aflibercept may facilitate the anatomical improvement in persistent CSCR and may improve the visual outcomes in relatively chronic cases. The IVA injection may be a therapeutic option for CSCR.

Comparison of two mineralcorticosteroids receptor antagonists for the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy.

To evaluate the effect of oral spironolactone and eplerenone, two specific antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor, in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). In this prospective, placebo-controlled trial, sixty patients with persistent CSCR were assigned to three treatment group. Twenty patients in Group 1 were treated with 25mg of spironolactone (Aldactone; Pfizer) for 1week, then increased to 50mg for the following 3weeks, then shifted to eplerenone 50mg for 1month. Twenty patients in Group 2 were treated with 25mg of eplerenone (Inspra; Pfizer) for 1week, then increased to 50mg for the following 3weeks, and then shifted to spironolactone 50mg for 1month. Twenty patients in Group 3 were treated with 1 placebo control tablet for 1week, then increased to two tablets for the following 3weeks, and then shifted to spironolactone 50mg for 1month. At the end of the second month, all the treatments were stopped, and the patients were followed for two additional months. Primary outcome measure was a change in BCVA at 1, 2, and 4months. Secondary outcome was a change of>20% in the size of SRF recorded with OCT at 1, 2, and 4months of treatment. In terms of BCVA, treatment in Group 1 was effective from the first month (spironolactone, p value 0.01), and in Group 2 effective from the second month (shift to spironolactone, p value 0.004). Since the p value after the first month was 0.2 in Group 2, even with a larger sample, it would be difficult to see an efficacy of an eplerenone treatment after 1month. As for the SRF, both in Group 1 and Group 2, both treatments were found to be equally effective after 1month of administration (p values 0.004). At 4months, only in Group 3, there was no statistical improvement of BCVA and SRF (p values 0.09 and 0.5). Spironolactone is statistically superior to eplerenone in improving BCVA of patients with CSCR, while both drugs can be considered equally effective in promoting the reabsorption of SRF.

Retinal sensitivity after selective retina therapy (SRT) on patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

To assess retinal sensitivity after selective retina therapy (SRT) in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with CSCR lasting longer than 3 months were treated with SRT (wavelength 527 nm Nd: YLF laser, 50-150 μJ/pulse, spot diameter 200 μm). Measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography, fluorescence angiography, and microperimetry (MAIA™) were conducted before, and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Microperimetry was performed in the central 10° of the macula, and at the test spots applied near the vascular arcade for energy titration. In addition to the treatment effect, all test irradiation spots were thoroughly analyzed with regard to their sensitivity changes. The mean logMAR BCVA had improved from 0.06 to 0.02 after 1 month (p = 0.11) and to 0.03 after 3 months (p = 0.003). Eleven out of 17 eyes (64.7%) showed complete resolution of subretinal fluid after 3 months. Retinal sensitivity in the central 10° increased after 1 month (median: 25.9 dB) and 3 months (26.6 dB) as compared with that before treatment (23.0 dB) (p < 0.001). Analysis of the test spots revealed a slight decrease in retinal sensitivity after 1 month (ΔdB = -0.5 ± 2.1, p = 0.006), while there was no significant difference from baseline after 3 months (ΔdB = -0.3 ± 2.2, p = 0.09). No correlation was found between laser energy and the change in focal retinal sensitivity. Results suggest that SRT is a safe and effective treatment for persistent CSCR and does not leave permanent scotoma regardless of irradiation energy in the therapeutic range.

Oral Mineralocorticoid-Receptor Antagonists: Real-Life Experience in Clinical Subtypes of Nonresolving Central Serous Chorioretinopathy With Chronic Epitheliopathy.

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist (MRa) therapy in three clinical presentations of nonresolving central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) with chronic epitheliopathy.MethodsRetrospective case series of consecutive patients with nonresolving CSCR treated with oral eplerenone or spironolactone. Treatment criteria were: persistent CSCR with subretinal fluid (SRF) lasting longer than 4 months; recurrent CSCR with SRF lasting longer than 2 months; persistent CSCR (SRF ≥ 4 months) with fundus autofluorescence gravitational tracks. Outcomes at 1, 3, and 6 months were: foveal SRF height, central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and occurrence of side effects.ResultsAmong 54 eyes from 42 patients (mean age: 53 years), mean foveal SRF, CMT, and SFCT decreased significantly at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment initiation. Mean BCVA improved significantly at 6 months. In the subgroup analysis, mean foveal SRF, CMT, and SFCT decreased significantly at 3 and 6 months in the persistent and recurrent groups. In persistent cases with tracks, a significant diminution of mean CMT and SFCT was achieved at 6 months. Treatment-related side effects were observed in 6 patients, prompting treatment discontinuation in one case.ConclusionResponse to treatment was observed in the three subgroups. In persistent CSCR with tracks the response was delayed compared with persistent and recurrent cases, suggesting that longer treatment durations would be beneficial in patients with gravitational tracks of RPE alteration.Translational RelevanceThe clinical response to oral MRa is consistent with the involvement of the mineralocorticoid pathway in CSCR pathogenesis.