scholarly journals The morphology of choroidal neovascularization in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy presenting with flat, irregular pigment epithelium detachment

Author(s):  
Claudio Azzolini ◽  
Jennifer Cattaneo ◽  
Laura Premoli ◽  
Cristian Metrangolo ◽  
Maurizio Chiaravalli ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To evaluate morphological characteristics of choroidal neovascularization in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) presenting with flat and irregular pigment epithelium detachment (FIPED) by means of innovative multimodal imaging. Methods In this observational cross-sectional study, we examined 10 consecutive patients affected by chronic CSC and FIPED using fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine-green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). A qualitative analysis of the nature and characteristics of neovascular membrane was performed, combining available multimodal imaging and literature data. Results Multiple areas of retinal pigment epithelium alterations, macular hypo- and hyperpigmentation and atrophic areas were identified. Spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) showed subretinal fluid in 80% of eyes and the ‘double layer sign’ in all patients. Late FA phases showed staining areas without leakage in all eyes; ICGA showed a hyperfluorescent plaque with surrounding hypofluorescence in 80% of patients. OCTA detected characteristic neovascular networks in the outer retina within the FIPEDs, classified as filamentous vessels with a pruned tree-like pattern in five eyes and a tangled pattern in three eyes. The choriocapillaris network showed dark areas in 80% of eyes and diffuse dark spots in all eyes. Conclusion Multimodal imaging completes clinical characterization of FIPEDs in chronic CSC. This study using OCTA technology describes the phenotype of hidden neovascular lesions in shape and morphology.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongyue Su ◽  
Xiongze Zhang ◽  
Yuhong Gan ◽  
Yuying Ji ◽  
Feng Wen

Purpose: Flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment (FIPED) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is strongly associated with type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The present study aimed to describe the multimodal imaging characteristics of FIPED in patients with chronic CSC and investigate the factors associated with vascularized FIPED.Methods: We included 55 chronic CSC eyes with vascularized FIPED (47 patients) and 55 chronic CSC eyes with avascular FIPED from age-matched patients (47 patients). None of the included eyes had a history of previous treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, photodynamic therapy, focal laser, or vitrectomy. The demographic and multimodal imaging data were reviewed. The location, angiography features, height and width, presence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) aggregations, RPE thickness, and choroid status of the FIPED area were compared between the groups.Results: The mean age of the included chronic CSC patients was 54.3 ± 7.8 years (range: 33–72 years), and 85.1% were male. Vascularized FIPED eyes had a larger width (1,556.4 ± 731.6 vs. 931.1 ± 486.2 μm, p < 0.001), larger subfoveal RPE thickness (33.4 ± 15.3 vs. 26.3 ± 6.6 μm, p = 0.004), larger maximum RPE thickness of the FIPED area (46.3 ± 20.5 vs. 31.5 ± 8.3 μm, p < 0.001), and more RPE aggregations in the FIPED area (94.5 vs. 54.5%, p < 0.001) than avascular FIPED eyes. RPE aggregations in the FIPED area were an independent factor strongly associated with vascularized FIPED (OR = 7.922, 95% CI = 1.346–46.623, p = 0.022).Conclusion: FIPED with a larger width and RPE thickening may suggest the presence of an underlying type 1 CNV. FIPED with RPE aggregations had an increased occurrence of neovascularization in chronic CSC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed M. Hagag ◽  
Shruti Chandra ◽  
Hagar Khalid ◽  
Ali Lamin ◽  
Pearse A. Keane ◽  
...  

The diagnosis and treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to classify eyes with suspected CNV using multimodal imaging. The effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed and compared to controls. This retrospective study included chronic CSCR patients with suspected secondary CNV who received intravitreal bevacizumab. Eyes were divided into “definite CNV” and “no CNV” based on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Eyes that did not undergo OCTA imaging were considered as “presumed CNV”. One-year outcome in visual acuity (VA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were investigated and compared to non-treated control patients to assess the response to anti-VEGF. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore predictive biomarkers of CNV detection and improvement after anti-VEGF. Ninety-two eyes with chronic CSCR from 88 participants were included in this study. Sixty-one eyes received bevacizumab and 31 eyes were non-treated control subjects. The presence of subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) and shallow irregular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevation (SIRE) with sub-RPE hyperreflectivity on OCT was associated with a significantly increased risk of detecting CNV on OCTA. Intravitreal anti-VEGF caused significant functional and anatomical improvement in patients with neovascular CSCR as compared to non-treated eyes. In contrast, VA and CFT changes were not significantly different between treated and non-treated CSCR with no evidence of CNV on OCTA. No clinical or anatomical biomarkers were found to be associated with response to treatment. In conclusion, OCTA should be used to confirm the presence CNV in suspected chronic CSCR patients. Intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment resulted in a significantly better one-year outcome in patients with definitive OCTA evidence of CNV.


Author(s):  
Thomas J. van Rijssen ◽  
Elon H. C. van Dijk ◽  
Paula Scholz ◽  
Robert E. MacLaren ◽  
Sascha Fauser ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the clinical outcomes after half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) patients with pre-existent fovea-involving atrophy. Methods In this retrospective study, cCSC patients who had a window defect of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) on fluorescein angiography (FA), compatible with RPE atrophy, prior to half-dose PDT were included. Results Thirty-four cCSC eyes with typical findings of cCSC on multimodal imaging, and fovea-involving RPE atrophy on FA, were included. At the first visit after PDT (at a median of 1.8 months after half-dose PDT), 20 eyes (59%) had a complete resolution of SRF (p < 0.001), while this was the case in 19 eyes (56%) at final visit (median of 11.3 months after half-dose PDT; p < 0.001). The mean BCVA in Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters was 71. 2 ± 15.9 at last visit before PDT, which increased to 74.1 ± 14.1 at first visit after PDT (p = 0.093, compared with baseline), and changed to 73.0 ± 19.1 at final visit (p = 0.392, compared with baseline). Both at first visit after PDT and at final visit, a significant decrease in subfoveal choroidal thickness was observed (p = 0.032 and p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions Half-dose PDT in cCSC patients with pre-existing fovea-involving atrophy may lead to anatomical changes, but not to functional improvements. Ideally, cCSC should be treated with half-dose PDT before the occurrence of such atrophy.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliana Costanzo ◽  
Salomon Yves Cohen ◽  
Alexandra Miere ◽  
Giuseppe Querques ◽  
Vittorio Capuano ◽  
...  

Purpose. To analyze optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to compare them with those obtained with multimodal imaging.Methods. A series of consecutive patients diagnosed with CSC, underwent OCTA and multimodal imaging, including spectral domain OCT, fluorescein, and indocyanine green angiography. OCTA images were performed at three main depth intervals: automatically segmented outer retina, manually adjusted outer retina, and automatically segmented choriocapillaris.Results. Thirty-three eyes of 32 consecutive patients were analyzed. OCTA showed 3 main anomalies at the choriocapillaris: the presence of dark areas (19/33 eyes) which were frequently associated with serous retinal detachment, presence of dark spots (7/33 eyes) which were frequently associated with retinal pigment epithelium detachment, and presence of abnormal vessels (12/33 eyes) which were frequently, but not systematically, associated with choroidal neovascularization, as confirmed by multimodal imaging.Conclusions. OCTA revealed dark areas and dark spots, which were commonly observed. An abnormal choroidal pattern was also observed in one-third of cases, even when multimodal imaging did not evidence any choroidal neovascularization. Abnormal choroidal vessels should be interpreted with caution, and we could assume that this pathological choroidal vascular pattern observed in many CSC cases could be distinct from CNV.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 349
Author(s):  
Pierluigi Iacono ◽  
Stefano Da Pozzo ◽  
Monica Varano ◽  
Mariacristina Parravano

Central serous chorioretinopathy represents the fourth most frequent retinal disorder, occurring especially in young age. Central serous chorioretinopathy is mainly characterized by macular serous retinal detachment and although the clinical course moves frequently toward a spontaneous resolution, the subretinal fluid may persist for a long time, thus evolving to the chronic form, and leading to a potential damage of the retinal pigment epithelium and to photoreceptors. The photodynamic therapy with verteporfin plays an important role in the armamentarium among the many therapeutic options employed in this complex retinal disorder. In this review, the authors aim to summarize data of efficacy and safety of PDT focusing especially on mechanisms of action of the PDT and providing comparative outcomes with the alternative therapeutic approaches, including especially the subthreshold laser treatment.


Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a maculopathy characterized by the separation of the neurosensory layer as a result of fluid accumulation between the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the photoreceptor layer. Classically it is classified as acute and chronic forms. When the disease lasts longer than 4-6 months, it is called a chronic form and comprises 15% of all CSCR cases. Although the exact etiology is unknown; studies emphasize changes in choroidal circulation causing choroidal ischemia and vascular hyperpermeability as well as subretinal fluid accumulation due to deterioration pump function of RPEs. Subretinal fluid accumulation can lead to photoreceptor dysfunction and loss of vision. Classical findings in patients are a decrease in visual acuity, blurred vision, metamorphopsia, micropsia, disturbance in color vision and dark adaptation, and scotomas. Diagnosis and follow-up depend on fundoscopy as well as imaging. Optical coherent tomography is the primary method. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) is useful in defining RPE changes noninvasively. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) shows the source of leakage. In recurrent, unresolved and chronic cases, OCT, FAF, FFA, and indocyanine green angiography can be used all together to manage the disease, to follow-up its extension, and to diagnose possible neovascular as well as polypoidal component. For the treatment of chronic CSCR patients, besides medical treatments such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor, and glucocorticoid antagonists and intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist (Anti-VEGF) injections, half-dose photodynamic therapy and subthreshold micropulse laser treatment are used. Prospective, controlled trials with large series for the treatment of chronic CSCR warranted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 251584141880713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Venkatesh ◽  
Manisha Agarwal ◽  
Meha Kantha

Objective: To evaluate the role of oral rifampicin in the management of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (duration >3 months) and treated with oral rifampicin 600 mg daily for a maximum period of 3 months was carried out. Baseline visual acuity, fundus fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography were recorded and the patients were followed up. Resolution of subretinal fluid and improvement in visual acuity were the main outcome measures. Recurrence of subretinal fluid was noted. Any adverse reaction to the drug was monitored. Results: Nine eyes of eight patients were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 41.90 years (range 32–52 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 16 months (range 3–60 months). Mean duration of follow-up was 10.11 months (range 3–33 months). Fluorescein angiography showed four eyes with subfoveal leaks and five eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid was achieved in four of the nine eyes – two patients at the end of 1 month, one patient each at the end of 2 and 3 months, respectively. Visual acuity improvement was noted in four of the nine eyes. Three patients had one-line improvement and one patient had a two-line visual improvement. None of the patients had severe adverse events for which the drug had to be discontinued. None of the patients had recurrence of subretinal fluid after the discontinuation of the drug. Conclusion: Oral rifampicin could provide a useful, effective, and cost-effective alternative for treatment of patients with chronic central serous choroidopathy and evidence of healthier retinal pigment epithelium, those with focal leakage. It was not effective in eyes with diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy.


2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110136
Author(s):  
Supriya Arora ◽  
Alexei N Kulikov ◽  
Dmitrii S Maltsev

Purpose: To study the implementation of the new multimodal imaging-based classification system of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Methods: Ninety-three eyes with CSCR with available fundus autofluorescence (FAF), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography at presentation were included in this study. An anonymous data set was classified by two masked graders. Each case was classified as per presence of (i) simple versus complex (< or >2 disc diameters of retinal pigment epithelium abnormality) CSCR; (ii) primary versus recurrent versus resolved CSCR; (iii) persistent (presence of subretinal fluid >6 months) or not; (iv) outer retinal atrophy (ORA); (v) foveal involvement; and (vi) macular neovascularization (MNV). Agreement between the graders was calculated. Results: Kappa value was 0.91 (95% CI 0.8–1.0) for the entire classification; 0.84 (95% CI 0.73–0.95) for simple versus complex; 1.0 (95% CI 1.0–1.0) for primary versus recurrent versus resolved CSCR; 1.0 (95% CI 1.0–1.0) for persistent or not; 0.9 (95% CI 0.81–0.99) for ORA or not; 0.95 (95% CI 0.84–1.0) for presence or absence of MNV; 1.0 (95% CI 1.0–1.0) for presence or absence of foveal involvement. Conclusion: The new multimodal imaging based CSCR classification showed “near perfect” agreement between two retinal experts.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Stefano Da Pozzo ◽  
Pierluigi Iacono ◽  
Alessandro Arrigo ◽  
Maurizio Battaglia Parodi

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a controversial disease both in terms of clinical classification and choice of therapeutic strategy. Choroidal layers, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), photoreceptors, and retina are involved to varying degrees. Beyond well-known symptoms raising the clinical suspect of CSC and slit-lamp fundus examination, multimodal imaging plays a key role in assessing the extent of chorioretinal structural involvement. Subretinal fluid (SRF) originating from the choroid leaks through one or multiple RPE defects and spreads into the subretinal space. Spontaneous fluid reabsorption is quite common, but in some eyes, resolution can be obtained only after treatment. Multiple therapeutic strategies are available, and extensive research identified the most effective procedures. Imaging has carved a significant role in guiding the choice of the most appropriate strategy for each single CSC eye. Multiple biomarkers have been identified, and all of them represent a diagnostic and prognostic reference point. This review aims to provide an updated and comprehensive analysis of the current scientific knowledge about the role of imaging in planning the treatment in eyes affected by CSC.


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