Purpose:
To assess the incidence and possible modes of exogenous corticosteroid exposure in patients diagnosed with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).
Methods:
A retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with CSCR during the period between 12/2005 - 12/2009 was performed. Information was obtained with regards to patient demographics and any documented known history of primary and/or secondary exposure to exogenous corticosteroids.
Results:
Medical records of 96 patients diagnosed with CSCR were reviewed. Patient age ranges from 30 to 77 years (median, 48 years). Seventy-four of 96 patients (77%) are male. Forty-seven of 96 patients (49%) were diagnosed with their initial episodes. Among the 96 patients, 44 (46%) had documented prior exposure to exogenous corticosteroid, among which 41 cases (93%) involved primary exposure whereas 3 cases (7%) resulted from presumed secondary exposure (e.g. through physical contact or close vicinity to those who have primary exposure). Among 23 patients with documented discontinuation of corticosteroid exposure, eighteen (78%) showed clinical improvement and/or eventual resolution. The modes of corticosteroid exposure are variable as follows: 12 of 44 (27%) involved topical creams, 29 of 44 (66%) involved inhalants, 11 of 44 (25%) involved oral medications, 6 of 44 (14%) involved injections (intraarticular, intramuscular), and 3 of 44 (7%) involved eye drops.
Conclusions:
History of exposure to exogenous corticosteroid is common among patients diagnosed with CSCR. The mode of exposure can be highly variable and may potentially involve both primary or secondary means.
Keywords: corticosteroids • chorioretinitis