Multifocal electroretinogram in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To assess local retinal function of macula in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods: Multifocal electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded in 5 patients with unilateral CSC and 20 normal subjects. The waveforms from the central retina within 5 degrees of visual angle were analyzed. The first negative trough was designated as N1, the first positive peak as P1, and the second trough as N2.

Results: The multifocal ERG amplitudes were significantly reduced at the first attack of CSC in all patients compared with the values in the normal controls, for P1-N1 (P <.01) and for P1-N2 (P <.01). Multifocal ERG latencies of the patients significantly increased compared with normal controls, for P1 (P <.01) and N2 (P <.01). After the resolution of retinal detachment, although the multifocal ERG amplitudes increased markedly, they did not improve to the normal level during the follow-up period (4-23 months).

Conclusions: Persistent functional impairment of the retina was found by multifocal ERGs in patients with CSC after the resolution of subretinal fluid. A topographical analysis of the multifocal ERG is useful in the clinical observation of CSC.