Serum cortisol and testosterone levels in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

To investigate the potential role of serum cortisol and testosterone levels in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Serum cortisol and testosterone levels of six male patients with chronic CSC were evaluated by chemiluminescent immunassay. Hormone levels were compared with the normal reference values of healthy people.

All patients were male, and the median age was 48 years (range: 42-54). The median duration of visual disturbance at presentation was 23 months (range: 12-48). Median 8:00 a.m. serum cortisol level was 11.6 μg/dl (min. 4.74, max. 18.3) and the cortisol levels were within the normal range in five of the six patients. All patients had normal serum testosterone levels, with a median value of 549.5 ng/ml (min. 246, max. 794).

Serum cortisol and testosterone levels were within normal ranges and in patients with chronic CSC. The association between these hormones and chronic CSC might be weak.