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Background: Systematic literature searches are the cornerstone of systematic reviews. In this study, we evaluated database coverage of randomized clinical trials for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods: We searched 12 databases (BIOSIS Previews, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central, Current Contents Connect, Data Citation Index, Derwent Innovations Index, EMBASE, KCI-Korean Journal Database, MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO Citation Index, and Web of Science Core Collection) on 10 April 2023 for randomized clinical trials for CSC. After identifying all eligible studies across all databases, we investigated the coverage of these studies within each database, including the coverage of any combination of two databases. Results: The 12 databases yielded 848 records for screening, of which 76 were randomized clinical trials for CSC. No single database provided full coverage. The most comprehensive coverage was provided by EMBASE (88%), the Cochrane Central (87%), and PubMed (75%). A combined search in the Cochrane Central and PubMed led to complete coverage (100%) while reducing the number of records for screening from 848 to 279. Conclusions: Systematic review search design should include multiple databases. For randomized clinical trials for CSC, the combination of the Cochrane Central and PubMed provides an excellent balance between coverage and workload.

Purpose This study is to assess the possible correlation between findings on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and fluorescein angiography (FA) in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). Methods This multicentre retrospective cohort study included 71 cCSC patients (92 eyes) with at least 6 months of follow-up, who had a FAF-FA imaging discrepancy larger than 0.5 optic disc diameters in size in the corresponding areas of hyperfluorescent abnormalities. A comparison was performed between progression in size of areas of hyperautofluorescent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities on FAF (HF-FAF) and the hyperfluorescent areas on FA (HF-FA) at first visit and last visit. The possible correlations were estimated between FAF-FA discrepancy and disease characteristics. Results The median area of HF-FAF at first visit was 7.48 mm2 (1.41–27.9). The median area of HF-FA at first visit and last visit was 2.40 mm2 (0.02–17.27) and 5.22 mm2 (0.53–25.62), respectively. FAF-FA discrepancy was associated with follow-up duration and the area of HF-FAF at first visit. A mathematical algorithm for grading FAF-FA discrepancy in time was suggested, which predicted the enlargement of hyperfluorescent RPE abnormalities on FA in 82.6% of cases. Conclusion There is a statistically significant relationship between the areas of HF-FAF and HF-FA in cCSC patients with FAF-FA imaging discrepancy at first presentation. Long-term changes in RPE alterations in cCSC on FA can be predicted based on baseline HF-FAF and follow-up duration.

Purpose: To explore subretinal fluid (SRF) morphology in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) after one session of either high-density subthreshold micropulse laser (HSML) treatment or half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods: We retrospectively obtained optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans from a subset of patients from a randomized controlled trial on treatment-naïve eyes with cCSC allocated to either HSML treatment or half-dose PDT. OCT scans were evaluated prior to treatment and 6–8 weeks post-treatment, where we measured maximum SRF height and width, calculated the maximum height-to-maximum width-ratio (maxHWR) and calculated the total SRF volume. Results: Forty-one eyes of 39 cCSC patients were included. SRF morphology ranged from flat to dome-shaped, quantified as maxHWR ranging between 0.02 and 0.12. SRF volume was median 0.373 μl (range: 0.010–4.425 μl) and did not correlate to maxHWR (rho = −0.004, p = 0.982). Half-dose PDT was superior to HSML treatment in complete SRF resolution (RR = 3.28, p = 0.003) and in morphological changes of SRF (Δ maximum height, p = 0.001; Δ maximum width, p

Contains fulltext : 244034.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) PURPOSE: To describe the treatment outcomes and recurrence risk of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) in patients who had complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) after either primary half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) or high-density subthreshold micropulse laser (HSML) in the PLACE trial. METHODS: This multicentre prospective follow-up study evaluated cCSC patients at 1 year after completion of the PLACE trial. Outcomes included: complete resolution of SRF on OCT, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters, retinal sensitivity on microperimetry and a visual function questionnaire (NEI-VFQ25). RESULTS: Twenty-nine out of 37 patients who received half-dose PDT and 15 out of 17 patients who received HSML could be evaluated at final visit. At final visit, 93% of the patients treated with half-dose PDT had complete resolution of SRF, compared with 53% of HSML-treated patients (p = 0.006). At final visit, the mean estimate increase in the PDT group compared with the HSML group was + 2.1 ETDRS letters, +0.15 dB for the retinal sensitivity and + 5.1 NEI-VFQ25 points (p = 0.103, p = 0.784 and p = 0.071, respectively). The mean estimated central retinal thickness in the half-dose PDT group was -7.0 µm compared with the HSML group (p = 0.566). The mean estimated subfoveal choroidal thickness in the half-dose PDT group was -16.6 µm compared with the HSML group (p = 0.359). CONCLUSION: At 20 months after treatment, cCSC patients successfully treated with half-dose PDT are less likely to have recurrences of SRF compared with those successfully treated with HSML. However, functional outcomes did not differ.

The pachychoroid disease spectrum (PDS) includes several chorioretinal diseases that share specific choroidal abnormalities. Although their pathophysiological basis is poorly understood, diseases that are part of the PDS have been hypothesized to be the result of venous congestion. Within the PDS, central serous chorioretinopathy is the most common condition associated with vision loss, due to an accumulation of subretinal fluid in the macula. Central serous chorioretinopathy is characterized by distinct risk factors, most notably a high prevalence in males and exposure to corticosteroids. Interestingly, sex differences and corticosteroids are also strongly associated with specific types of arteriovenous anastomoses in the human body, including dural arteriovenous fistula and surgically created arteriovenous shunts. In this manuscript, we assess the potential of such arteriovenous anastomoses in the choroid as a causal mechanism of the PDS. We propose how this may provide a novel unifying concept on the pathophysiological basis of the PDS, and present cases in which this mechanism may play a role.

ImportancePatients with nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are encouraged to use the Amsler grid test for self-assessment to facilitate early diagnosis. The test is widely recommended, suggesting a belief that it signals worsening AMD, warranting its use in home monitoring.ObjectiveTo systematically review studies of the diagnostic test accuracy of the Amsler grid in the diagnosis of neovascular AMD and to perform diagnostic test accuracy meta-analyses.Data SourcesA systematic literature search was conducted in 12 databases for relevant titles from database inception until May 7, 2022.Study SelectionStudies included those with groups defined as having (1) neovascular AMD and (2) either healthy eyes or eyes with nonneovascular AMD. The index test was the Amsler grid. The reference standard was ophthalmic examination. After removal of obviously irrelevant reports, 2 authors (J.B. and M.S.) independently screened the remaining references in full text for potential eligibility. Disagreements were resolved by a third author (Y.S.).Data Extraction and SynthesisTwo authors (J.B. and I.P.) independently extracted all data and evaluated quality and applicability of eligible studies using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Disagreements were resolved by a third author (Y.S.).Main Outcomes and MeasuresSensitivity and specificity of the Amsler grid for detecting neovascular AMD with comparators being either healthy control participants or patients with nonneovascular AMD.ResultsOf 523 records screened, 10 studies were included with a total of 1890 eyes (mean participant age ranging from 62 to 83 years). Sensitivity and specificity to diagnose neovascular AMD were 67% (95% CI, 51%-79%) and 99% (95% CI, 85%-100%), respectively, when comparators were healthy control participants and 71% (95% CI, 60%-80%) and 63% (95% CI, 49%-51%), respectively, when control participants were patients with nonneovascular AMD. Overall, potential sources of bias were low across studies.Conclusions and RelevanceAlthough the Amsler grid is easy and inexpensive to use for detection of metamorphopsia, its sensitivity may be at levels typically not recommended for monitoring. Coupling this lower sensitivity with only moderate specificity to identify neovascular AMD in a population at risk, these findings suggest that such patients typically should be encouraged to undergo ophthalmic examination regularly, regardless of any results of Amsler grid self-assessment.

Comparing anatomic and functional efficacy and safety of primary treatment with either half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) or oral eplerenone, or crossover treatment in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients.After the SPECTRA trial baseline visit, patients were randomized to either half-dose PDT or eplerenone and received crossover treatment if persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) was present at first follow-up (at 3 months). Presence of SRF and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was evaluated at 12 months.Out of the 90 patients evaluated at 12 months, complete SRF resolution was present on OCT in 43/48 (89.6%) of patients who were primarily randomized to half-dose PDT and in 37/42 (88.1%) who were primarily randomized to eplerenone. Out of the 42 patients that were primarily randomized to eplerenone, 35 received crossover treatment with half-dose PDT. The BCVA improved significantly more at 12 months in patients who had received primary half-dose PDT as compared to the primary eplerenone group (p = 0.030).Twelve months after baseline visit, most patients treated with half-dose PDT (either primary or crossover treatment) still had complete SRF resolution. The long-term BCVA in patients who receive primary half-dose PDT is better than in patients in whom PDT is delayed due to initial eplerenone treatment with persistent SRF.

Purpose: Intravitreal injections and cataract surgery are two common procedures in the elderly. Posterior capsular rupture (PCR) is a rare but important complication of cataract surgery. We systematically reviewed the literature on previous intravitreal injections as a risk factor of PCR and performed meta-analyses to provide pooled summary risk estimates.Methods: We searched 13 literature databases on 1 June 2021 for studies evaluating the risk of PCR in eyes undergoing cataract surgery with data on previous intravitreal injections. Data extraction was made independently by two authors and discussed afterwards until reaching consensus. Random effects metaanalyses on the pooled odds ratio (OR) of PCR in eyes with previous intravitreal injections were made using MetaXL 5.3.Results: Six studies on 1 051 097 eyes undergoing cataract surgery were eligible for the qualitative and quantitative review. Previous history of intravitreal injections was present in 7034 eyes (majority was anti-VEGF). Our metaanalyses revealed that any previous intravitreal injection was a risk factor for PCR with an OR of 2.30 (95% CI 1.39-3.81). For each previous intravitreal injection, the risk of PCR was OR 1.04 (95% CI 1.01-1.08) (equivalent of relative risk similar to 1.04). In other words, risk of PCR increases by 4% for each previous intravitreal injection.Conclusions: Previous intravitreal injection is a risk factor for PCR and should be taken into account when planning cataract surgery. However, to be regarded as a clinically significant risk of PCR, a substantial number of previous intravitreal injection (e.g. >= 10) should have been administered, considering that the a priori risk of PCR is very low (similar to 1%).

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety between half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) and eplerenone therapy for treating chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). Design: This was a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Methods: This investigator-initiated trial was conducted in 3 academic medical centers in the Netherlands. Eligible patients were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive either indocyanine green angiography-guided half-dose PDT or oral eplerenone for 12 weeks. Both anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated at 3 months after the start of treatment. Results: A total of 107 patients were randomly assigned to receive either half-dose PDT (n = 53) or eplerenone treatment (n = 54). Thirteen patients (3 in the PDT group and 10 in the eplerenone group) did not adhere to the study protocol. At the 3-month evaluation visit, 78% of patients in the PDT group had complete resolution of subretinal fluid accumulation compared to only 17% of patients in the eplerenone group (P < .001). Mean best-corrected visual acuity in Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters at the 3-month evaluation visit was 83.7 ± 10.8 and 82.8 ± 9.0 in the PDT and eplerenone groups, respectively (P = .555). In addition, mean retinal sensitivity on microperimetry was 25.4 ± 3.4 dB and 23.9 ± 4.0 dB in the PDT and eplerenone groups, respectively (P = .041). Finally, mean vision-related quality of life scores were 87.2 ± 8.5 and 83.8 ± 12.1 in the PDT and eplerenone groups, respectively (P = .094). Three patients (6%) in the PDT group experienced adverse events during the study compared to 18 patients (33%) in the eplerenone group. Conclusions: Half-dose PDT is superior to oral eplerenone for cCSC with respect to both short-term safety and efficacy outcomes.

Purpose: To investigate and compare the salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity as an indicator of the sympathetic activity and stress response in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and healthy control subjects. Methods: Prospective multicenter case series, including 80 CSC patients and 88 healthy control subjects. Central serous chorioretinopathy status was classified as either active or inactive, depending on the presence of subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography. Salivary samples were collected in the morning from patients and control subjects of the main cohort and at midnight for the additional cohort. Salivary alpha-amylase activity was determined in all patients and control subjects. Results: Morning sAA activity was significantly higher in patients with active CSC compared with inactive CSC (P = 0.049) and to healthy control subjects (P = 0.012). There was no significant difference in sAA activity between patients with inactive CSC and control subjects (P = 1.0). Nocturnal sAA activity did not show any significant difference between patients with active CSC and either inactive CSC or control subjects (P = 0.139). Conclusion: Morning sAA activity is increased in patients with active CSC, although diurnal rhythmicity is preserved. Measurement of sAA is easy to perform and might be an eligible tool to further investigate the relation between stress and CSC.

Purpose: To increase insight into the myopic presentation of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) by comparing a large group of myopic patients with CSC with reference groups with only one of the diagnoses. Methods: Myopic patients with CSC (spherical equivalent

A wide range of ocular diseases can present with serous subretinal fluid in the macula and therefore clinically mimic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). In this manuscript, we categorise the diseases and conditions that are part of the differential diagnosis into 12 main pathogenic subgroups: neovascular diseases, vitelliform lesions, inflammatory diseases, ocular tumours, haematological malignancies, paraneoplastic syndromes, genetic dis-eases, ocular developmental anomalies, medication-related conditions and toxicity-related diseases, rhegma-togenous retinal detachment and tractional retinal detachment, retinal vascular diseases, and miscellaneous diseases. In addition, we describe 2 new clinical pictures associated with macular subretinal fluid accumulation, namely serous maculopathy with absence of retinal pigment epithelium (SMARPE) and serous maculopathy due to aspecific choroidopathy (SMACH). Differentiating between these various diseases and CSC can be challenging, and obtaining the correct diagnosis can have immediate therapeutic and prognostic consequences. Here, we describe the key differential diagnostic features of each disease within this clinical spectrum, including repre-sentative case examples. Moreover, we discuss the pathogenesis of each disease in order to facilitate the dif-ferentiation from typical CSC.

Background To investigate the anatomical and functional results in eyes with peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS) undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT). Methods A total of 25 eyes from 23 patients with PPS treated with PDT were retrospectively evaluated in this multicentric study. Main outcome measure was the proportion of eyes that achieved treatment success, defined as a decrease in both subretinal fluid (SRF) height and central subfield thickness (CST), at 3 months after PDT compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes were the change in CST, SRF, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 3 months after treatment and predictive factors for treatment success. When available, data between 3 and 12 months were also reviewed. Results Treatment success was achieved in 16 eyes (64%). In the total cohort, CST decreased significantly from 356 +/- 118 mu m at baseline to 282 +/- 90 mu m and 270 +/- 91 mu m at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Maximal SRF height decreased significantly from 102 +/- 83 mu m at baseline to 38 +/- 46 mu m and 32 +/- 42 mu m at 1 and 3 months, respectively (p < 0.001), and remained stable at month 6 (29 +/- 44 mu m) and month 12 (23 +/- 35 mu m). BCVA improved significantly from baseline to month 3 (p = 0.021). Conclusions PDT can be considered an efficacious treatment option in patients with PPS. Prospective data with longer follow-up in a bigger cohort are needed in order to determine the optimal treatment algorithm in this relatively novel disease.

PURPOSE: 'Type A' behavioural characteristics and psychosocial stress have traditionally been associated with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). However, a characteristical personality profile could not be identified in these patients and the presumed association with stress is subject to controversy, due to a lack of convincing studies using validated measuring instruments. In this study, we aimed to assess maladaptive personality traits, psychological morbidity and coping strategies in patients with cCSC, in order to identify potentially modifiable psychosocial aspects which could be used in support to current standard treatment.METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a cohort of 86 patients with cCSC using validated questionnaires. Findings were compared to both Dutch population reference data and reference data from patients treated for Cushing's disease.RESULTS: Maladaptive personality traits were not more prevalent in patients with cCSC than in the general population, and psychological morbidity was not increased. Patients with cCSC were shown to make more use of passive coping, active coping and seeking social support. Interestingly, personality, psychological morbidity and coping characteristics of patients with cCSC were more comparable to features of patients treated for Cushing's disease than to population-based data.CONCLUSION: Maladaptive personality traits such as type A behavioural characteristics are not more prevalent in patients with cCSC. Patients with cCSC make more use of certain coping strategies, which could be addressed by psychosocial care to improve self-management. Further research is needed establish whether the course of disease can be improved by altering coping and reducing 'stress'.

Purpose: To evaluate medium and large choroidal vessel layer thickness (MCVT and LCVT, respectively) in eyes with acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in comparison with age-matched controls. Methods: The study included 96 eyes of 96 patients with CSC, including 53 eyes with acute CSC, 43 eyes with chronic CSC, and 30 eyes of 30 age-matched normal subjects. Manual measurements of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), MCVT, and LCVT at subfoveal and 750 μm nasal and temporal to the fovea locations were made on enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) of the macula in all subjects using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). Results: SFCT in acute CSC was significantly larger than that in healthy eyes (P = 0.0001). SFCT in acute CSC did not differ significantly from that in chronic CSC eyes. Subfoveal LCVT and MCVT in acute CSC eyes were greater than those in healthy eyes (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). Mean SFCT and MCVT in chronic CSC eyes were significantly larger than those in control eyes (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). No significant difference in LCVT was observed between chronic and control eyes. Conclusion: Choroidal vasculature is altered in both acute and chronic CSC. SFCT, MCVT, and LCVT are higher in eyes with acute CSC. The thickening of medium choroidal vessels is still detectable in chronic CSC compared to control eyes.

Multiple case series have provided evidence for a relatively high incidence of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in patients with active Cushing’s syndrome (CS). We describe the ophthalmological status in detail of consecutive patients with active endogenous CS (either de novo or recurrent active endogenous CS) in this prospective cohort study. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination, including multimodal imaging, which was performed shortly after establishing the diagnosis of active CS in hypercortisolemic state. Eleven CS patients (4 men, 7 women) with active hypercortisolism were included. Abnormalities reminiscent of (subclinical) CSC were found in 3 patients. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed macular subretinal fluid in 1 patient, who was diagnosed as having active CSC and was successfully treated with half-dose photodynamic therapy. Two other patients showed CSC-like abnormalities: an unilateral pseudovitelliform lesion on OCT and hyperfluorescent changes on fluorescein angiography in one patient, and unilateral leakage on fluorescein angiography in the other patient. Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness on enhanced depth imaging OCT was 270 ± 40 μm (range, 178 – 357 μm). Retinal abnormalities resembling (subclinical) CSC may be more common than previously thought in patients with active CS, and may exist even in patients without visual complaints. Clinicians should have a low threshold for ophthalmological evaluation in case of a CS patient with visual symptoms since there may be therapeutic opportunities to prevent vision loss.

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 p 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.

In central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), the macula is detached because of fluid leakage at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium. The fluid appears to originate from choroidal vascular hyperpermeability, but the etiology for the fluid is controversial. The choroidal vascular findings as elucidated by recent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and wide-field indocyanine green (ICG) angiographic evaluation show eyes with CSC have many of the same venous patterns that are found in eyes following occlusion of the vortex veins or carotid cavernous sinus fistulas (CCSF). The eyes show delayed choroidal filling, dilated veins, intervortex venous anastomoses, and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability. While patients with occlusion of the vortex veins or CCSF have extraocular abnormalities accounting for the venous outflow problems, eyes with CSC appear to have venous outflow abnormalities as an intrinsic phenomenon. Control of venous outflow from the eye involves a Starling resistor effect, which appears to be abnormal in CSC. Similar choroidal vascular abnormalities have been found in peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome. However, peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome has intervortex venous anastomoses located in the peripapillary region while in CSC these are seen to be located in the macular region. Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome appears to share many of the pathophysiologic problems of abnormal venous outflow from the choroid along with a host of associated abnormalities. These diseases vary according to their underlying etiologies but are linked by the venous decompensation in the choroid that leads to significant vision loss. Choroidal venous overload provides a unifying concept and theory for an improved understanding of the pathophysiology and classification of a group of diseases to a greater extent than previous proposals.

PURPOSE: To study the early anatomic choroidal alterations in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT).DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study.METHODS: A total of 77 patients and 81 eyes with chronic CSCR treated with PDT and 64 untreated fellow eyes were evaluated. Central macular thickness (CMT) and choroidal features including subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), total choroidal area (TCA), luminal choroidal area (LCA), and stromal choroidal area (SCA) were analyzed. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was calculated in all study eyes at baseline and at 1- and 3-months post-PDT.RESULTS: In eyes receiving PDT, Snellen visual acuity (VA) significantly improved at months 1 and 3 (P < .001). CMT and SFCT showed a significant reduction from baseline at months 1 and 3 (P < .001), whereas TCA and LCA showed a significant decrease only at the 1-month follow-up visit. Baseline mean TCA and LCA were 2.30 +/- 1.41 mm(2) and 1.23 +/- 0.73 mm 2 , respectively, and decreased to 2.07 +/- 1.21 mm(2) and 1.08 +/- 0.63 mm(2) at the 1-month follow-up visit, respectively (P = .01). No significant changes were recorded for SCA and CVI. In the fellow eye group, VA, CMT, and all choroidal parameters showed no differences between baseline and any follow-up visits (all P > .05).CONCLUSIONS: After PDT for chronic CSCR we observed sustained reductions in CMT and SFCT, while reductions in TCA and LCA were only noted at the 1-month follow-up interval. These choroidal parameters may provide additional quantitative biomarkers to evaluate the anatomic response to therapy but await further prospective validation. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Purpose To describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), also known as aneurysmal type 1 (sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)) neovascularization, in Caucasian patients. Methods Single-centre study in 66 Caucasian patients with a diagnosis of PCV based on optical coherence tomography scan and indocyanine green angiography. Clinical characteristics and multimodal imaging were collected and assessed by an experienced retina specialist. Results This study involved 74 eyes of 66 patients with PCV, with a mean age at onset of 73 years and a female preponderance of 66%. The mean number of polypoidal lesions per eye was 1 (range: 1–5 lesions), out of which 75% was located in the macula and 19% in the peripapillary region. Of the 74 eyes, 37 eyes (50%) had PCV associated with a drusenoidal neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotype (PCV-AMD) and 18 eyes (24%) had PCV associated with non-polypoidal type 1 choroidal neovascularization/branching vascular network (PCV-BVN) without signs of drusenoidal AMD, while 19 eyes (26%) had idiopathic, isolated PCV (iPCV). The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness measured in 22 patients was 245 μm (range: 71–420 μm). In 51% of patients, the initially performed therapy showed good anatomical recovery (resolution of intra- and subretinal fluid). Conclusions A spectrum of PCV (aneurysmal type 1/sub-RPE neovascularization) can be seen in Caucasian patients. PCV associated with a drusenoidal neovascular AMD phenotype in Caucasians is phenotypically and presumably pathophysiologically more associated with neovascular AMD (PCV-AMD: type A PCV). However, this may not be the case for patients with PCV with non-polypoidal type 1 choroidal neovascularization or BVN and no signs of drusenoidal AMD (PCV-BVN: type B PCV), and for patients with idiopathic PCV without associated drusen or BVN (iPCV; type C PCV). Most patients have a thin choroid, even when drusen are absent. For the entire patient group, a moderate anatomical recovery was observed after treatment.

Purpose To assess whether treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and high-density subthreshold micropulse laser (HSML) results in choroidal vascularity index (CVI) changes that may account for the treatment effect. Methods Patients with cCSC were prospectively included and analyzed. Patients received either half-dose PDT or HSML treatment. CVI of the affected and unaffected eye was obtained before treatment, 6 to 8 weeks after treatment, and 7 to 8 months after treatment. Results At baseline, 29 eyes (29 patients) were included both in the PDT and in the HSML group. The mean (± standard deviation) CVI change in the HSML group between before PDT and 6 to 8 weeks after PDT was − 0.009 ± 0.032 (p = 0.127), whereas this was 0.0025 ± 0.037 (p = 0.723) between the visit before PDT and final visit. The patients in the PDT group had a CVI change of − 0.0025 ± 0.037 (p = 0.723) between the visit before PDT and first visit after PDT, and a mean CVI change of − 0.013 ± 0.038 (p = 0.080) between the visit before PDT and final visit. There was no significant correlation between CVI and BCVA at the measured time points, in both the HSML group (p = 0.885), and in the PDT group (p = 0.904). Moreover, no significant changes in CVI occurred in the unaffected eye at any time point. Conclusions PDT and HSML do not significantly affect CVI, and therefore a CVI change may not be primarily responsible for the treatment effect. The positive treatment effect of both interventions may rely on other mechanisms, such as an effect on choriocapillaris and/or retinal pigment epithelium function.

Purpose: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), a distinct form of macular degeneration, has been associated with glucocorticoid use and possibly also with an increased endogenous activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. To estimate long-term glucocorticoid exposure, measurement of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) has emerged. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate HCC, as a reflection of chronic endogenous steroid exposure, in a cohort of patients with chronic CSC (cCSC).Methods: Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) were determined in 48 patients with cCSC and 230 population-based controls (Lifelines cohort study), not using exogenous corticosteroids.Results: Increased HCC (defined as >10.49 pg/mg) were present in 2 (4%) patients with cCSC and 13 (6%) controls. Mean HCC values were not different between patients and controls, and no difference in HCC was found between patients with active cCSC disease and patients with inactive disease. No correlation between HCC and urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels in patients with cCSC was found.Conclusions: This study shows that HCC in patients with cCSC are not elevated compared to population-based controls, and no association between HCC and cCSC severity was found. This finding questions the previous suggestion that cCSC is associated with increased HPA axis activity. In line, HCC do not seem useful in monitoring cCSC disease activity.

Background To compare vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) between acute and chronic Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and correlate this with Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with both acute and chronic CSC were recruited in this study. Vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) was assessed with Rasch revised National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ25) and perceived stress with Cohen’s PSS questionnaire in 118 subjects with either acute or chronic CSC. The quality of life score was compared between patients with acute and chronic CSC. Correlations between the functional score and visual acuity (VA), stage of CSC, and stress were studied. Results There was no significant difference in VRQOL between Acute and Chronic CSC. In Acute CSC, affected eye VA correlated significantly with near vision question of the visual function subscale. Better eye VA correlated significantly with distance vision, social function, role limitation and dependency of the socioeconomic subscale. In chronic CSC, affected eye VA correlated with social function question of the socioemotional subscale and the better eye VA correlated with driving and distance vision of the visual function subscale. No other significant correlations with VA were noted. No correlations were observed between outcome of Cohen’s PSS questionnaire and NEI-VFQ25 scores of acute and chronic CSC. Conclusion The VRQOL is similar between acute and chronic CSC. Perceived stress was not found to influence the VRQOL in CSC.

Intravitreal injections with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors constitute the most prevalent ophthalmic procedure in developed countries. Historically, there has been steady growth in the number of treatments performed of this kind, and projection studies estimate further growth in such treatments in the future. We provide a practical approach to intravitreal injections and discuss important aspects relating to the setting, the patient, the procedure, and the information given to the patient.

Contains fulltext : 226008.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) PURPOSE: To assess whether chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) patients without a complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) after either half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) or high-density subthreshold micropulse laser (HSML) treatment may benefit from crossover treatment. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective interventional case series. METHODS: cCSC patients with persistent SRF at the final visit of the PLACE trial were included. Patients received crossover treatment with either half-dose PDT or HSML. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients received PDT and 10 patients received HSML. At the first evaluation visit (6-8 weeks after treatment), 81% of patients in the PDT group had complete resolution of SRF, while none of the HSML-treated patients had complete resolution of SRF. At final visit (1 year after baseline), 78% (P = .030) and 67% (P = .109) of the patients, respectively, had a complete resolution of SRF. The mean retinal sensitivity in the PDT group increased from 21.7 dB (standard error [SE]: 0.9) to 23.4 dB (SE: 0.8) at evaluation visit 1 (P = .003), to 24.7dB (SE: 0.8) at final visit (P < .001), while there were no significant changes in the HSML group (23.7 dB [SE: 1.6] at baseline, 23.8 dB [SE: 1.4] at evaluation 1, and 23.3 dB [SE: 1.4] at final visit). The mean visual acuity and mean visual quality-of-life questionnaire score did not change significantly in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Crossover to half-dose PDT after previous unsuccessful HSML treatment for cCSC may lead to improved anatomic and functional endpoints, while crossover to HSML after half-dose PDT does not seem to significantly affect these endpoints.

Contains fulltext : 215584.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a common cause of central vision loss, primarily affecting men 20-60 years of age. To date, no consensus has been reached regarding the classification of CSC, and a wide variety of interventions have been proposed, reflecting the controversy associated with treating this disease. The recent publication of appropriately powered randomised controlled trials such as the PLACE trial, as well as large retrospective, non-randomised treatment studies regarding the treatment of CSC suggest the feasibility of a more evidence-based approach when considering treatment options. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current rationale and evidence with respect to the variety of interventions available for treating CSC, including pharmacology, laser treatment, and photodynamic therapy. In addition, we describe the complexity of CSC, the challenges associated with treating CSC, and currently ongoing studies. Many treatment strategies such as photodynamic therapy using verteporfin, oral mineralocorticoid antagonists, and micropulse laser treatment have been reported as being effective. Currently, however, the available evidence suggests that half-dose (or half-fluence) photodynamic therapy should be the treatment of choice in chronic CSC, whereas observation may be the preferred approach in acute CSC. Nevertheless, exceptions can be considered based upon patient-specific characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Comparison of presentation and outcomes of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) between male and female subjects in different ethnic populations. METHODS: Retrospective comparison between male and female subjects with CSC was completed. Demographic details, clinical presentations, imaging features and treatment outcomes were compared at baseline and at last follow-up. RESULTS: This study included 155 male and 155 female subjects with a mean (CSD) age of 43.8 ± 10.3 and 57.0 ± 12.1 years, respectively, and a mean duration of follow-up of 8.49 ± 12.6 months. At presentation, there was no difference in visual acuity; however, visual acuity was significantly higher for female subjects at last follow-up (p = 0.02). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis showed that subretinal deposits (p

Danial Mohabati,1,2 Thomas J van Rijssen,1 Elon HC van Dijk,1 Gregorius PM Luyten,1 Tom O Missotten,3 Carel B Hoyng,4 Suzanne Yzer,3 Camiel JF Boon1,5 1Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; 3Department of Ophthalmology, The Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; 4Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; 5Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate disease onset and disease progression in patients with severe chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). Patients and methods: The medical records of 143 cCSC patients (199 eyes) were reviewed. All cases had visual complaints for >6months and showed signs of a severe disease phenotype on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA). Clinical presentation at onset was evaluated, together with disease progression on multimodal imaging and final treatment outcome. Results: Twenty-eight cases (14%) had a documented history of an acute episode of CSC, whereas 145 cases (73%) showed pre-existing features of chronicity already at first presentation. The first clinical presentation could not be evaluated in 13% of cases. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 70 ± 18 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters at onset and 70 ± 22 ETDRS letters at final visit (p = 0.770). Among all studied cases, 173 eyes (87%) were treated, which resulted in complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) in 76% of eyes at final visit. In eyes with fluorescein angiographic follow-up, the area of diffuse atrophic retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities (diffuse atrophic RPE alterations [DARA]) had increased significantly in 43 eyes (68%) at final visit. Conclusion: CSC encompasses a clinical spectrum that includes a range of severe phenotypes, in which retinal abnormalities tend to be progressive. Nevertheless, the long-term visual acuity may remain fairly stable with treatment. Few patients with severe chronic CSC have a history of acute CSC, which could indicate that there may be pathogenetic differences between these 2 CSC variants. Keywords: chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, long-term outcome, severity, treatment, photodynamic therapy, posterior cystoid retinal degeneration

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Background/aims Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) who develop postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) have been found to have higher preoperative laser flare values than patients with RRD who do not develop this complication. Measurement of laser flare has therefore been proposed as an objective, rapid and non-invasive method for identifying high-risk patients. The purpose of our study was to validate the use of preoperative flare values as a predictor of PVR risk in two additional patient cohorts, and to confirm the sensitivity and specificity of this method for identifying high-risk patients. Methods We combined data from two independent prospective studies: centre 1 (120 patients) and centre 2 (194 patients). Preoperative aqueous humour flare was measured with a Kowa FM-500 Laser Flare Meter. PVR was defined as redetachment due to the formation of traction membranes that required reoperation within 6 months of initial surgery. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis determined whether higher preoperative flare values were associated with an increased risk of postoperative PVR. Results PVR redetachment developed in 21/314 patients (6.7%). Median flare values differed significantly between centres, therefore analyses were done separately. Logistic regression showed a small but statistically significant increase in odds with increasing flare only for centre 2 (OR 1.014; p=0.005). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic showed low sensitivity and specificity: centre 1, 0.634 (95% CI 0.440 to 0.829) and centre 2, 0.731 (95% CI 0.598 to 0.865). Conclusions Preoperative laser flare measurements are inaccurate in discriminating between those patients with RRD at high and low risk of developing PVR.

Purpose To assess the ophthalmological characteristics of asymptomatic patients with a renal transplant on chronic low-dose steroids for at least the last 2 years prior to examination. Methods Cross-sectional study. All patients underwent an extensive ophthalmological examination. Results Of the 37 included patients [25 male, 12 female; 59 ± 11 years (range, 38–77 years)] ophthalmological phenotyping revealed abnormalities in 22 patients (59%). Findings characteristic for (subclinical) central serous chorioretinopathy were detected in ten patients (27%), including two patients with serous subretinal fluid in the macula. An epiretinal membrane of the macula was present in six patients (16%). Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly increased in patients with ophthalmological abnormalities, in comparison with patients without abnormalities. Conclusions Retinal abnormalities are common in the majority of renal transplant patients using chronic low-dose steroids. These retinal changes may be associated with the renal disease and/or the effect of chronic steroid use on the choroid and retina.

Contains fulltext : 220965.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access)

Item does not contain fulltext PURPOSE: To compare the outcome between high-density subthreshold micropulse laser (HSML) treatment and half-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) patients, subdivided based on either focal or diffuse leakage on fluorescein angiography (FA). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of multicenter randomized controlled trial data. METHODS: Patients were treated with either half-dose PDT or HSML (both indocyanine green angiography-guided) and categorized in 2 groups, based on focal or diffuse leakage on FA. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at baseline and during follow-up. RESULTS: In the focal leakage group (63 patients), both at first evaluation and at final visit, more PDT-treated than HSML-treated patients demonstrated a resolution of subretinal fluid (evaluation visit 1: 57% in the PDT group and 17% in the HSML group, P = .007; final visit: 75% and 38%, P = .012). In the diffuse leakage group (93 patients), both at first evaluation and at final visit, more PDT-treated than HSML-treated patients showed a resolution of subretinal fluid (evaluation visit: 1:48% in the PDT group and 16% in the HSML group, P = .002; final visit: 67% and 21%, P = .002). PDT-treated patients in the focal and diffuse leakage group had a higher retinal sensitivity increase, comparing baseline and final visit (+3.1 +/- 3.1 dB vs +1.2 +/- 4.0 dB, P = .048, and +2.7 +/- 3.3 dB vs +1.0 +/- 3.8 dB, P = .036, respectively). Only in the diffuse leakage group, the increase in ETDRS letters was higher in the PDT-treated group when comparing baseline and first evaluation visit (+4.4 +/- 6.1 vs +0.9 +/- 10.0, P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Half-dose PDT is superior to HSML treatment in cCSC patients, regardless of the presence of focal or diffuse leakage on FA.

Item does not contain fulltext PURPOSE: To assess ophthalmologic characteristics in patients and unaffected individuals in families with multiple members affected by central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), both at presentation and long-term follow-up. METHODS: In 103 subjects from 23 families with at least 2 affected patients with CSC per family, prospective extensive ophthalmologic examination was performed, including best-corrected visual acuity, indirect ophthalmoscopy, digital color fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and fluorescein angiography imaging. From these, 24 individuals from 6 families had undergone extensive ophthalmologic examination in either 1994 or 1995 and were followed up in this study. RESULTS: Subretinal fluid accumulation on optical coherence tomography and/or "hot spots" of leakage on fluorescein angiography indicative of CSC were detected in 45 of 103 phenotyped subjects (44%). Findings suggestive of CSC, but without the presence of subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography and/or "hot spots" of leakage on fluorescein angiography, were observed in an additional 27 family members (26%). In 4 of 17 previously nonaffected subjects (24%) from the 24 individuals that were followed up after more than 20 years, we found more severe abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Extensive ophthalmologic phenotyping resulted in the detection of (suggestive) CSC in 52% of family members of patients with CSC. Genetic factors may play an important role in these specific CSC cases. Moreover, during follow-up, progressive disease can occur in a noteworthy number of patients.