IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS OF MACULAR NEOVASCULARIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) can lead to secondary type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV).
• Understanding the morphological characteristics of MNV in CSCR is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphological features of type 1 MNV in chronic CSCR using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA).
• To analyze quantifiable features of these neovascular membranes.

Main Methods:

• Inclusion of patients with chronic CSCR and secondary type 1 MNV.
• Acquisition and analysis of macular OCT and OCTA images.
• Detailed examination of morphological characteristics and quantifiable features of MNV.

Main Results:

• Nineteen eyes showed neovascular flow on OCTA; 95% had flat-irregular pigment epithelium detachment (FIPED).
• Subretinal fluid was common (90%), membranes were subfoveal (65%) and overlying choroidal pachyvessels.
• Mature membranes (75%) displayed indistinct (65%) or tangled (30%) patterns, with feeder vessels in 75% and average vascular density of 46%.

Conclusions:

• Type 1 MNV in chronic CSCR develops under the retinal pigment epithelium within FIPED, overlying pachyvessels.
• OCTA-assessed morphological characteristics, such as loose and indistinct patterns, enhance understanding of MNV formation and maturation in CSCR.
• These findings may guide therapeutic strategies for chronic CSCR patients.