Detection of morphologic alterations by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before and after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To study the morphologic features of serous retinal detachment, the photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction line, retinal pigment epithelium irregularities, pigment epithelial detachment, and the subfoveal choroid before and after treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

METHODS: We studied 17 eyes of 17 consecutive patients (all men) with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. We performed photodynamic therapy (PDT) with half-dose (3 mg/m2) verteporfin. We studied morphologic features using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after PDT.

RESULTS: Retinal detachment showed reattachment in 16 of the 17 eyes by 3 months after PDT. The inner and outer segment junction line could be visualized in 13 eyes at 6 months after PDT. Retinal pigment epithelium irregularities were confirmed in all 17 eyes before and during the year after PDT. Pigment epithelial detachment initially disappeared but then recurred in 5 eyes after PDT. Subfoveal highly reflective substances first lessened in intensity but then again became prominent in 2 eyes.

CONCLUSION: The authors identified recurrent pigment epithelial detachment and/or retinal detachment during the 1-year period after PDT. Even if retinal detachment initially disappears, retinal pigment epithelium or choroidal morphologic changes can still develop. The effect of half-dose PDT for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy may thus be temporary.