Multicolour imaging in central serous chorioretinopathy

Multicolour imaging (MI) is a novel, non-invasive retinal imaging technology. Its sensitivity for detecting the clinical features in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) has not been previously described. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of MI compared to fluorescein angiography and colour fundus photography in CSCR, and to describe the imaging features of MI.

In this retrospective study at a tertiary referral centre, 63 consecutive eyes with CSCR (both acute and chronic) were included after obtaining permission from the institutional review board. Multimodal imaging with colour fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, MI and fluorescein angiography/indocyanine green angiography and near-infrared and blue wavelength autofluorescence was analysed to identify the clinical findings in CSCR. Sensitivity and specificity values were computed for the different clinical features for each imaging modality.

On comparison with fluorescein angiography, MI was found to be more effective in identifying the extent of subretinal fluid (78 per cent versus 13 per cent). MI was equally capable in identifying pigment epithelium detachment (100 per cent versus 100 per cent) and retinal pigment epithelial changes (100 per cent versus 100 per cent). Focal leaks were identified in 84 per cent and 97 per cent of eyes using MI and fluorescein angiography imaging, respectively. The sensitivity of MI in identifying focal retinal pigment epithelial leaks was higher compared to near-infrared autofluorescence (84 per cent versus 34 per cent) and blue wavelength autofluorescence (84 per cent versus 18 per cent) imaging.

MI is a useful, non-invasive imaging modality for detecting clinical features in CSCR. In the future, MI has the potential to substitute for fluorescein angiography and colour fundus photography as the imaging modality of choice.