Unintentional secondary exogenous corticosteroid exposure and central serous chorioretinopathy

The purpose of this study is to describe a possible association between unintentional secondary exogenous corticosteroid exposure and central serous chorioretinpathy (CSCR).

A retrospective review of three patients diagnosed with CSCR in one or both eyes and a history of possible unintentional secondary corticosteroid exposure. Clinical history, exam findings, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and clinical course were reviewed.

Three patients, who did not use corticosteroids, reported suspected unintentional secondary corticosteroid exposure from living with family members or partners using dermatologic corticosteroid cream and/or inhalers frequently. Two of the three patients had a history of recurrent CSCR, one patient involving both eyes. After taking precautions to avoid secondary corticosteroid exposure, all three patients had complete resolution of CSCR without further recurrence during follow-up ranging from 2 to 4 years.

Patients with CSCR should be queried for both primary and possible unintentional secondary routes of corticosteroid exposure, which may contribute to this condition.