Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is one of the representative pachychoroid spectrum disease. Although fundus fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography can be used as the gold standard for the diagnosis of CSC, they are invasive examinations, which may bring certain risks in clinical application and cannot help us obtain quantitative parameters. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), as a non-invasive and quantitative examination, is an important imaging tool for understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of CSC. With the advancement of OCTA, the swept-source OCTA has a satisfying scanning depth, a wider scanning range and a higher resolution. The development of OCTA broadens the horizons of the pathogenesis of CSC, promotes the understanding of the pathophysiology of CSC, and sheds new light for its clinical diagnosis and treatment. Based on OCTA, the choroid and retina in eyes with CSC are presented with qualitative and quantitative changes in vascular system. OCTA-guided CSC treatment and the discovery of prognostic markers based on OCTA challenge the application of traditional imaging techniques in CSC. With the continuous improvement and progress of OCTA technology, traditional angiography combined with OCTA will bring great benefits to the diagnosis and treatment of CSC. This review summarizes the quantitative application of OCTA in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of CSC.
ObjectiveTo observe the characteristics of blue light(BLAF) versus near infrared wavelength (IRAF) fundus autofluorescence in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) patients. MethodsSeventy-seven eyes of 81 patients diagnosed with CSC were enrolled in this study. According to the duration of disease, patients were divided into acute CSC group and chronic or recurrent CSC group. All patients were examined with fundus fluorescein angiography, including BLAF and IRAF. There were forty-six patients (47 eyes) with acute, thirty-one patients (34 eyes) with chronic or recurrent CSC. The characteristics of BLAF and IRAF in CSC were compared. ResultsIn acute CSC, there were nineteen eyes (40.4%) showed scattered hyper-fluorescence corresponding to the leaking points, eleven eyes (23.4%) showed mottled hypo-fluorescence in BLAF; while 17 eyes (36.2%) showed normal change corresponding to the leaking points. There were 35 eyes can be observed serous retinal detachments in the BLAF images, 21 eyes (60.0%) showed hypo-fluorescence and 14 eyes (40.0%) showed hyper-fluorescence. In the IRAF images, 25 eyes (53.2%) showed mottled fluorescence corresponding to the leaking points, 11 eyes (23.4%) presented with scattered hyper-fluorescent spots and normal fluorescence. The serous retinal detachments of 26 eyes exhibited hypo-fluorescence in the IRAF images. In chronic or recurrent CSC, 19 eyes (55.9%) showed scattered hyper-fluorescence corresponding to the leakage points; followed by no abnormal change in 10 eyes, accounting for 29.4%; few showed mottled hypo-fluorescence (5 eyes 14.7%). There were 35 eyes (41.2%) can be observed serous retinal detachments in the BLAF images. IRAF mainly displayed mottled hypo-fluorescence (22 eyes, 64.7%), ten eyes (29.4%) presented with scattered hyper-fluorescence and 2 eyes (5.8%) presented without abnormal change. The serous retinal detachments of 3 eyes (8.8%) exhibited hypo-fluorescence in the IRAF images. ConclusionsFor acute CSC, a variety of fluorescence were showed in BLAF images and the proportion of the various fluorescences was similar; hypo-fluorescence was showed in the IRAF images. For chronic CSC, hyper-fluorescence was showed in BLAF while hypo-fluorescence in the IRAF images.
ObjectiveTo investigate and analyze the clinical manifestations and imaging features of the eyes with bullous retinal detachment. MethodsRetrospective case series study. Eleven eyes of 11 patients with bullous retinal detachment diagnosed in Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital from July 2015 to September 2021 were enrolled. There were 10 males and 1 female, with the mean age of (39.27±6.81) years. All patients had monocular bullous retinal detachment, with mean duration ranged from 3 months to 14 years. The basic information and medical history of all patients were collected. All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), indirect ophthalmoscopy, color fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and B-scan ultrasonography. BCVA was performed using a standard logarithmic visual acuity chart, which was converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity. The clinical data and imaging features of BCVA, OCT, FFA and ICGA were retrospectively analyzed and summarized. ResultsThe mean logMAR BCVA of the 11 eyes was 0.91±0.45. Nine patients had bilateral disease, but bullous retinal detachment occurred in only 1 eye, and CSC manifestations were present in the contralateral eye. Six patients had received systemic or topical hormone therapy prior to onset. Yellowish-white material was observed in 6 eyes and retinal folds were observed in 5 eyes. OCT examination showed serous retinal detachment in the macular area with granular or patchy hyperreflective signals in the subretinal area in all eyes, and a few granular hyperreflective substances in the neuroretina in 6 eyes. Neuroretina cystoid degeneration was observed in 6 eyes, adhesion between the detached neuroretina and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) was observed in 6 eyes, RPE tear was observed in 6 eyes, and different forms of retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) were observed in 6 eyes. FFA showed multiple fluorescence leakage spots in 10 eyes, and the average number of fluorescence leakage spots in all eyes was 3.82±2.44. There were multiple diffuse RPE lesions in 9 eyes. The results of ICGA examination showed that choroidal vessels were dilated and multiple hyperfluorescent leaks were observed in all eyes. B-scan ultrasonography examination of all affected eyes showed retinal detachment. Retinal reattachment can be achieved at (2.0±1.0) months after photodynamic therapy (PDT), while SRF can be completely absorbed at (2.36±0.81) months. The mean logMAR BCVA can be improved to 0.50±0.33, and no recurrence was found in the follow-up period up to 6 months. ConclusionsBullous retinal detachment is often associated with the use of hormones, while yellow-white material in the subretina and hyperreflective material in the OCT are common. It is characterized by neuroretina cystoid degeneration in the macular area, adhesion between the neuroretina and RPE, RPE tear and PED, with multiple fluorescence leakage spots and diffuse RPE lesions. PDT is an effective treatment for bullous retinal detachment.
ObjectiveTo observe the alterations of vascular density of superficial or deep retinal vascular plexus and the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) eyes.MethodsThis is a retrospective study including 22 patients with unilateral CSC in acute stages. The patients were divided into group A (22 affected eyes) and B (22 fellow eyes). Twenty eyes of 20 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers (group C) were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography examinations. The observation index included signal intensity of blood flow in choroidal capillary, vessel density and FAZ on the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP).ResultsThe FAZ on DCP in group A was larger than that in group B and C (t=4.28, 5.57; P=0.00、0.00), but there was no significant difference of FAZ on SCP among 3 groups (t=0.28, 0.80; P=0.78, 0.43). The vessel density of SCP and DCP in group A and B were decreased than those in group C (t=?4.40, ?2.91; P=0.00, 0.00). The type of choroidal capillaries dilation had two different manifestations by OCTA, which was circumscribed in 12 eyes and diffuse in 10 eyes. The subretinal fluid in macular area which presented dark chamber with weak reflection was observed by en-face OCT.ConclusionsThe vessel density of SCP and DCP in both eyes of acute CSC are lower than those in normal eyes. The FAZ of DCP in affected eyes of acute CSC is larger than that in fellow eyes and normal eyes. The blood flow of dilated choroidal capillary can be manifested as different morphological enhancements.
Objective To observe the anastomotic status of the vortex veins in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). MethodsA cross-sectional study of clinical practice. From July 2021 to July 2022, 50 cases (50 eyes) of monocular CSC patients diagnosed through ophthalmic examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included in the study. Among them, there were 37 males (74.0%, 37/50) and 13 females (26.0%, 13/50), with the mean age of (44.30±9.59) years old. The course of disease from the onset of symptoms to the time of treatment was less than 3 months. The affected eye and contralateral eye of CSC patients were divided into the affected eye group and contralateral eye group, respectively. Fifty healthy volunteers of the same age and gender were selected as the normal control group with 50 eyes. The macular area scanning source optical coherence tomography (OCT) vascular imaging examination was performed with Visual Microimaging (Henan) Technology Co., Ltd. VG200D. Horizontal watershed vortex veins anastomosis rate and asymmetric vortex-venous dilation rate were observed by en face OCT. The device comes with software to calculate the central foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), mean choroidal thickness (MCT), and choroidal vascular index (CVI). One-way analysis of variance and χ2 test were used to compare the three groups. When variances were unequal between groups, nonparametric tests were performed. ResultsThe SFCT values of the affected eye group, contralateral eye group, and normal control group were (567.12±129.02), (513.26±133.17), (327.64±97.40) μm, respectively; MCT were (407.38±97.54), (388.24±94.13), (275.46±60.55) μm, respectively; CVI were 0.34±0.05, 0.32±0.04, and 0.27±0.04, respectively; anastomosis rates of vortex veins were 98% (49/50), 78% (39/50), and 40% (20/50), respectively; asymmetric dilation rates of vortex veins were 96% (48/50), 88% (44/50), and 48% (24/50), respectively. The differences of SFCT (F=53.974), MCT (Z=51.415), CVI (F=28.082), vortex vein anastomosis rate (χ2=43.056), asymmetric dilation rate of vortex veins (χ2=37.728) among three groups were statistically significant (P＜0.001). Compared with the contralateral eye group, the SFCT, MCT, CVI, vortex vein anastomosis rate, and vortex vein asymmetric dilation rate in the affected eye group were significantly higher than those in the contralateral eye group. Among them, the differences of SFCT (t=2.054), CVI (t=2.211), and vortex vein anastomosis rate (χ2=9.470) were statistically significant (P＜0.05); the differences of MCT (Z=7.490), asymmetric dilation rate of vortex veins（χ2=2.714) were not statistically significant (P=1.000, 0.140). ConclusionsSFCT, MCT, and CVI in the affected and contralateral eyes of monocular CSC patients significantly increase. The anastomotic rate and asymmetric dilation rate of the vortex vein in the opposite eye were lower than those in the affected eye.
ObjectiveTo analyze the associations between the choroidal vasculature and submacular fluid (SMF) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). MethodsA retrospective study. A total of 29 CSC patients (31 eyes) with complete records who visited the Department of Ophthalmology in Peking University People's Hospital from August 1, 2021 to March 1, 2023 were included in this study. The patients were divided into complete absorption and incomplete absorption groups according to the status of SMF in the last visit. All the patients underwent ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF SS-OCTA) with a scanning range of 24 mm × 20 mm. The UWF SS-OCTA images were automatically analyzed in 9 regions (superotemporal, superior, superonasal, temporal, central, nasal, inferotemporal, inferior, and inferonasal). Alterations of choroidal vasculature in the nine subfields after SMF absorption were described, including choroidal thickness (CT), flow density of choriocapillaris layer, vessel density of large choroidal vessel layer, three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (CVI), the mean choroidal vessel volume (mCVV), and the mean choroidal stroma volume (mCSV). The relevant factors affecting the complete absorption of SMF were additionally evaluated. ResultsAt baseline, CT (Z=2.859, P=0.004), mCVV (t=2.514, P=0.018), and mCSV (Z=2.958, P=0.003) in the superotemporal region of the affected eyes in the incomplete absorption group were significantly higher than those in the complete absorption group. Compared with baseline, at the last visit, the proportion of asymmetric vortex veins in the complete absorption group was significantly decreased (χ2=6.000, P=0.014), CVI in the superotemporal, superonasal, temporal, central, nasal, inferotemporal, and inferonasal regions (t=－4.125, t=－3.247, Z=－3.213, t=－2.994, t=－3.417, t=－3.733, t=－3.795; P=0.001, 0.006, 0.001, 0.010, 0.005, 0.003, 0.002), the mCVV of 9 regions (t=－2.959, t=－2.537, t=－2.235, t=－3.260, t=－3.022, t=－2.796, t=－2.747, Z=－2.107, t=－2.935; P=0.011, 0.025, 0.044, 0.006, 0.010, 0.015, 0.017, 0.035, 0.012) were significantly decreased. Compared to the complete absorption group, the choroidal blood flow changes in the non-complete absorption group were more limited, and CT in the upper region increased significantly at the last follow-up (t=2.272, P=0.037). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline CT in the superotemporal region may be an independent risk factor affecting the complete absorption of SMF (odds ratio=0.981, 95% confidential interval 0.965-0.997, P=0.021). ConclusionsIn the process of SMF absorption in CSC, significant reductions of choroidal blood flow were found in the large choroidal vessel layer, and there may be a locally compensatory increase in CT. In addition, baseline CT in superotemporal region is an independent risk factor affecting SMF absorption.
ObjectiveTo observe the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).MethodsFrom October 2016 to December 2018, 50 cases of CSC patients (CSC group) and 50 healthy people (control group) matched by age and sex who were diagnosed in the ophthalmological examination of Xi’an No.3 Hospital were included in the study. According to the course of the disease, CSC was divided into acute phase and chronic phase, with 20 and 30 cases respectively. The average age (Z=1.125) and body mass index (BMI) (Z=0.937) of the two groups were compared, and the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05); the age of patients with different courses of CSC (Z=1.525) and gender composition ratio (χ2=0.397) and BMI (Z=1.781) were compared, the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05). The Berlin questionnaire was used to assess the OSAS risk of subjects in the CSC group and the control group; polysomnography was used to monitor the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and minimum blood oxygen saturation (MOS) during night sleep. OSAS diagnostic criteria: typical sleep snoring, daytime sleepiness, AHI (times/h) value ≥ 5. The severity of OSAS was classified as mild OSAS: 5≤AHI＜15; moderate OSAS: 15≤AHI＜30; severe OSAS: AHI≥30. Non-normally distributed measurement data were compared by rank sum test; count data were compared by χ2 test. Spearman correlation analysis was performed on the correlation between OSAS and CSC.ResultsThe AHI data in the CSC group and the control group were 17.46±3.18 and 15.72±4.48 times/h, respectively; the MOS were (83.48±4.68)% and (87.40±3.82)%, respectively; those diagnosed with OSAS were respectively 36 (72.00%, 36/50) and 13 (26.00%, 13/50) cases. AHI (Z=0.312), MOS (Z=0.145), and OSAS incidence (χ2=21.17) were compared between the two groups of subjects, and the differences were statistically significant (P=0.028, 0.001,＜0.001). The AHI of acute and chronic CSC patients were 15.95±3.02 and 18.47±2.92 times/h; the MOS were (86.10±11.07)% and (81.73±4.58)%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in AHI (Z=0.134) and MOS (Z=0.112) in patients with different course of disease (P=0.005, 0.001). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that OSAS and CSC were positively correlated (r=0.312, P=0.031).ConclusionOSAS may be a risk factor for the onset of CSC.
ObjectiveTo investigate the difference in microperimetry between acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). MethodsCross-sectional cases study. A consecutive series of 208 patients (221 eyes) with CSC diagnosed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into acute group (136 patients, 143 eyes) and chronic group (72 patients, 78 eyes) according to the duration and FFA. There were no statistical difference in sex (χ2=0.012, P=0.912) and mean age (t=-1.492, P=0.137) between two groups. All eyes received the examination of microperimetry and minimum resolution angle in logarithmic (logMAR) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The mean retinal sensitivities (MS) and fixation rate in the central 2°(P1) and 4° (P2) were determined. ResultsThe mean value of logMAR BCVA in acute group and chronic group were 0.32±0.23 and 0.48±0.33, there was significant difference (Z=-3.353, P=0.001). In acute group and chronic group, the MS were (21.25±5.06) and (15.82±7.23) dB, P1 were (76.36±25.78)% and (55.01±32.34)%, P2 were (92.21±13.06)% and (79.83±23.11)%. There were statistical differences in MS (Z=-5.456, P < 0.001), P1 (Z=-4.629, P < 0.001) and P2 (Z=-4.265, P < 0.001) between two groups. In acute group, fixation was stable in 98 eyes (68.5%), relative unstable in 30 eyes (21.0%), unstable in 15 eyes (10.5%). In chronic group, fixation was stable in 30 eyes (38.5%), relative unstable in 22 eyes (28.2%), unstable in 26 eyes (33.3%). The difference of fixation between two groups was statistically significant (χ2=23.196, P < 0.001). ConclusionMS, fixation rate and fixation stability in chronic CSC eyes were all decreased compared with acute CSC eyes.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of chorioidal thickness (ChT) in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in different mode of vortic venous dilation. MethodsA prospective cross-sectional observational study. A total of 80 patients with 89 eyes (CSC group) diagnosed in Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command from April to October 2023 were included in the study. Among them, 64 males had 71 eyes and 17 females had 18 eyes. A total of 15 healthy volunteers matched in age and sex were selected as the control group. Among them, 14 men had 26 eyes and one woman had two eyes. The macular region was examined by ultra-wide-angle scanning frequency source optical coherence tomography (OCTA) with BM400K BMizar made by TowardPi (Beijing) Medical Technology Co., LTD. Scanning rate 1 536 A scanning×1 280 B scanning, scanning range 24 mm×20 mm. The accompanying software delineated nine subfields (superotemporal, upper, superonasal, temporal, central, nasal, inferotemporal, lower, inferonasal regions) to record ChT. En-face OCTA mode was utilized to observe the anatomy and functional anastomosis of the vortex veins above and below the choroidal blood layer. Eyes in the CSC group were further categorized into upper-dominant, symmetrical, and lower-dominant groups based on the difference in vortex vein expansion shown in the choroidal layer of the en-face image, with 36, 35, and 18 eyes respectively. Statistical analysis included the use of independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney test for comparison between two groups, one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test for comparison between multiple groups, and the χ test or Fisher test for categorical variables. ResultsCompared with the control group, ChT in the CSC group was thickened in the foveal area and different areas of the macula, with the greatest difference in the fovea, and the differences were statistically significant (t=3.345, 5.018, 2.902, 4.667, 7.276, 3.307, 3.868, 4.795, 2.583; P＜0.05). Compared with the ChT of the control group, there was no statistically significant difference in the superotemporal, region of the upper-dominant group (t=1.510, P＞0.05); in other regions, the differences were statistically significant (t=3.207, 5.163, 2.526, 4.310, 6.285, 2.656, 3.812, 2.173; P＜0.05). The differences in the foveal area and other areas in the symmetrical group were statistically significant (t=4.488, 5.554, 3.457, 5.314, 7.256, 3.507, 5.584, 6.019, 2.994; P＜0.05). In the superotemporal, and superonasal, regions of the lower dominant group, the differences were not statistically significant (t=1.150, 1.465; P＜0.05); in other regions, the differences were statistically significant (t=2.278, 4.168, 5.244, 2.783, 5.040, 3.432, 2.095; P＜0.05). ConclusionThe dilated distribution of vortex veins on en-face ultra-wide-angle OCTA has a corresponding relationship with ChT. In eyes with CSC, the superior vortex vein drainage system may be the primary route for choroidal drainage.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with pachydrusen in eyes affected by central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). MethodsA retrospective clinical study. From July 2021 to June 2024, 144 cases and 158 eyes of CSC patients diagnosed through ophthalmological examination at Department of Ophthalmology of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included. All affected eyes underwent a series of assessments, including refraction, intraocular pressure measurement, fundus color photography, fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA), and swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT). Additionally, 58 eyes underwent indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Cross-sectional (en-face) OCT was utilized to observe the colocalization of pachydrusen with areas of dilation of large choroidal vessels and attenuation of the choriocapillaris layer. The device was used for OCT included software for calculating subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). FFA fluorescein leakage was categorized into “ink stain”, “cooking smoke”, and “diffuse point leakage”. Patients were classified into groups of CSC patients complicated by pachydrusen and groups of CSC patients without pachydrusen. Comparisons between the groups were performed using the χ2 test, and factors associated with the presence of pachydrusen were analyzed using logistic regression. ResultsAmong 158 eyes, 72 eyes (45.6%, 72/158) were complicated by pachydrusen. In en-face OCT images, pachydrusen were co-located with dilated large choroidal vessels in 59 eyes (81.94%, 59/72) and corresponded to choroidal capillary layer blood flow holes in 61 eyes (84.72%, 61/72). Among the 58 eyes that underwent ICGA examination, pachydrusen corresponded to punctate strong fluorescence in 46 eyes (79.31%, 46/58) and were located in areas of choroidal hyperpermeability in 43 eyes (74.14%, 43/58). Compared with the CSC group without pachydrusen, the incidence of choroidal neovascularization, flat irregular pigment epithelial detachment, diffuse punctal leakage and multiple leakage points increased in the CSC group, and the differences were statistically significant (χ2=6.217, 8.455, 5.363, 17.749; P＜0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age [odds ratio (OR)=1.116, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.060-1.176, P＜0.001], chronic CSC [OR=2.628, 95%CI 1.250-5.526, P=0.011] were independent risk factors for the occurrence of pachydrusen. ConclusionsThe incidence of pachydrusen in eyes with CSC is 45.6%, with age and chronic CSC identified as independent risk factors for their occurrence. Pachydrusen correspond to dilated choroidal vessels and areas of choroidal hyperpermeability, which may serve as potential risk factors for CSC activity or development.