Morphological changes in the retinal pigment epithelium on spectral-domain OCT in the unaffected eyes with idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To report the changes seen in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) morphology in the asymptomatic eyes of patients with idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSC) using spectral-domain Cirrus (TM) high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT).

Methods: In a prospective case series, 17 consecutive patients with unilateral ICSC underwent spectral-domain Cirrus (TM) HD-OCT scans for both affected and opposite asymptomatic eye. Three-dimensional single-layer RPE map was studied in both eyes for morphological alterations, and findings were correlated with clinical presentation, fluorescein angiogram, and 5 Line raster scan. Additionally, three-dimensional (3D) single-layer RPE maps done in 111 healthy volunteers served as control.

Results: In patients with ICSC, 3D single-layer RPE analysis of asymptomatic eyes showed presence of RPE bumps in 16 (94%) eyes and pigment epithelium detachment (PED) in 2 (11.8%) eyes. The 5 Line raster scan was normal in all eyes. Of 222 normal (control) scans, 18 showed RPE bumps and none showed PED. Conclusions 3D single-layer RPE map showed abnormal pattern in the asymptomatic eyes of patients with unilateral ICSC.

Summary: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed morphologic alterations in retinal pigment epithelium in both eyes of patients with idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy.