Journal Article

Three-dimensional choroidal characteristics in different subtypes of central serous chorioretinopathy using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography

Gu, Xiaoya, Wang, Jianing, Zhang, Yue, Liu, Jing, Yu, Xiaobing, Song, Shuang

2025

Overview

Purpose To assess choroid vascular characteristics in four subtypes of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) eyes under the new classification system. Methods There were 83 subjects in total for analysis including 16 individuals with acute CSC, 13 with non-resolving CSC, 12 with recurrent CSC, 16 with chronic CSC, and 26 healthy control eyes. We utilized the integrated software of SS-OCTA to acquire measurements of the central choroidal thickness (CT), the choriocapillaris perfusion area (CCPA), three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and three-dimensional choroidal vessel volume (CVV). The SNK-q test was conducted for pairwise comparisons among four subgroups of CSC and healthy control eyes. A multiple linear regression model was employed to investigate the relationship between CVI, CCPA and other factors. Results CT, CVI, and CCPA of the chronic CSC subgroup were significantly lower than the other three CSC subgroups. Lower CVI was significantly correlated with the subgroup of chronic CSC (β = -0.140, P = 0.016), lower CT (β = 0.0014, P < 0.01), and higher CCPA (β = -0.141, P < 0.01). Lower CCPA was significantly correlated with the subgroup of chronic CSC (β = -0.937, P < 0.01), diabetes (β = -0.118, P = 0.015), higher CVV (β = -0.414, P = 0.014), and higher CVI (β = -0.764, P < 0.01). Conclusions This is the first study to evaluate the choroidal characteristics of four subtypes of CSC under the new classification system in detail. It seems that chronic CSC displays distinct pathophysiological alterations in choroidal characteristics. Registration number : NCT05687422. Key messages What is known Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) has been recognized as a type of pachychoroid spectrum disease. Traditional classification methods for CSC include acute and chronic forms, and a recent definition encompasses acute, non-resolving, recurrent, and chronic CSC. What is new The choroidal thickness, the choriocapillaris perfusion area, and the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index of the chronic CSC subgroup were significantly lower than acute subgroup, non-resolving subgroup and recurrent subgroup. Three-dimensional choroidal biomarkers are reliable imaging biomarkers to quantify structural alterations of choroidal vasculature, with considerable potential to contribute to the development of a more precise classification system. It seems that chronic CSC displays distinct pathophysiological alterations in choroidal characteristics.

• Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adult / Angiography / Biomarkers / Central Serous Chorioretinopathy - classification / Central Serous Chorioretinopathy - diagnosis / Central Serous Chorioretinopathy - physiopathology / Choroid - blood supply / Choroid - diagnostic imaging / Choroid - pathology / Classification / Computed tomography / Diabetes mellitus / Female / Fluorescein Angiography - methods / Follow-Up Studies / Fundus Oculi / Humans / Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods / Integrated software / Male / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Middle Aged / Ophthalmology / Perfusion / Retinal Disorders / Retinal Vessels - diagnostic imaging / Retinal Vessels - pathology / Retrospective Studies / Tomography, Optical Coherence - methods / Visual Acuity