Serum cortisol and testosterone levels in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the potential role of serum cortisol and testosterone levels in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Material and methods: Serum cortisol and testosterone levels of six male patients with chronic CSC were evaluated by chemiluminescent immunassay. Hormone levels were compared with the normal reference values of healthy people.

Results: All patients were male, and the median age was 48 years (range: 42-54). The median duration of visual disturbance at presentation was 23 months (range: 12-48). Median 8:00 a.m. serum cortisol level was 11.6 μg/dl (min. 4.74, max. 18.3) and the cortisol levels were within the normal range in five of the six patients. All patients had normal serum testosterone levels, with a median value of 549.5 ng/ml (min. 246, max. 794).

Conclusion: Serum cortisol and testosterone levels were within normal ranges and in patients with chronic CSC. The association between these hormones and chronic CSC might be weak.