Fundus autofluorescence and visual acuity in central serous chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the fundus autofluorescence (FAF) abnormalities in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and evaluate potential correlations with visual acuity.

Design: Retrospective, observational case series.

Participants: Four hundred seventy-five eyes of 238 patients with CSC.

Methods: Consecutive patients with CSC underwent FAF imaging, as well as routine ophthalmologic examinations. Confluent hypoautofluorescence was defined as a region of absent autofluorescence greater than one fourth of a disk diameter. Granular hypoautofluorescence was defined if there was a grainy or coarse region of decreased fluorescence as compared with normal surrounding areas greater than one fourth of a disc diameter in size. A descending tract was a downward leading swathe of decreased autofluorescence originating from the posterior pole to extend below the inferior arcade.

Main outcome measures: The pattern and frequency of FAF abnormalities and their correlations with corrected visual acuity.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 57.1 years (standard deviation, 13.3), and 181 (76.1%) were male. Confluent and granular hypoautofluorescence was detected in the macula of 54 (11.4%) and 300 (63.2%) of 475 eyes, respectively. Descending tracts from the macula were observed in 43 (9.1%) eyes and from the optic disc in 43 (9.1%) eyes. Multiple regression analysis revealed that confluent hypoautofluorescence of the macula, granular hypoautofluorescence of the macula, and increasing age all were independent predictors of decreased visual acuity.

Conclusions: The FAF abnormalities in CSC show multiple distinct patterns and seem to provide functional information.