A Retrospective Case Series of Uveal Effusion Syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the clinical findings and management of eyes affected by uveal effusion syndrome.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the charts of 13 eyes of 8 consecutive patients diagnosed with uveal effusion syndrome attending the Ophthalmology Unit of the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium, between 2007 and 2018. The presenting features, investigations, management, and outcomes were analyzed for each case.

Results: Cataract surgery was the predisposing factor for uveal effusion in 6 eyes, 2 bilateral uveal effusions (4 eyes) were considered to be medication-induced, and in 3 eyes, the uveal effusion was described as idiopathic. Fundus examination of 5 of 13 eyes showed bullous choroidal detachment, treated with pars plana vitrectomy with superotemporal sclerectomy or transscleral punction. Fundoscopy showed uveal effusion without serous retinal detachment in 3 eyes. Serous retinal detachment accompanied by uveal swelling was observed in 3 eyes and the 2 remaining eyes presented with uveal swelling only. The 8 nonbullous choroidal detachments were treated in a conservative way. A rapid resolution of subretinal fluid and uveal effusion was observed in all cases.

Conclusions: A conservative approach with acetazolamide treatment or just observation was used in our case series in choroidal detachment without substantial visual loss if, over time, slow improvement was documented. However, further studies are needed to verify the effectiveness of the reported therapy.