Increased Choroidal Vascularity in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Quantified Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence
Yoshimasa Kuroda1, Sotaro Ooto1, Kenji Yamashiro1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 10, 2016
Summary
Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is linked to increased choroidal vascularity in the macula. This suggests that circulatory issues in the choroid may be the underlying cause of CSC.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a condition affecting the retina, characterized by fluid accumulation under the macula.
- The exact pathophysiology of CSC remains incompletely understood, with theories involving choroidal vascular abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate choroidal vascular structural changes in eyes with CSC using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional study involving 40 eyes of 34 CSC patients.
- Acquisition of 3D choroidal images (3x3 mm and 6x6 mm macular areas) using SS-OCT.
- Quantitative analysis of choroidal vascular areas via binary imaging of microvasculature and large choroidal vessels.
Main Results:
- Eyes with CSC exhibited significantly larger choroidal vascular areas compared to age-matched normal eyes.
- Specific increases were noted in the microvasculature of the inner choroid and large choroidal vessels (3x3 mm and 6x6 mm).
- Subfoveal choroidal thickness was strongly associated with the choroidal vascular area in the large choroidal vessel layer.
Conclusions:
- An increased choroidal vascular area is a key finding in the macula of CSC eyes.
- These vascular changes suggest that CSC may originate from a disturbance in choroidal circulation.
