Does choroidal thickness predict persistent subretinal fluid after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair? A retrospective study with fellow eye comparison

PurposeTo evaluate whether choroidal thickness (CT) is associated with persistent subretinal fluid (pSRF) after simple primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. MethodsThis single-centre, retrospective, observational study included patients who underwent RRD repair with at least 12-month follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative parameters were evaluated for association with pSRF. CT measurements were obtained at the central 1 mm area on enhanced depth imaging (EDI) OCT scans, using a semiautomatic method. Multiple logistic regression analyses were assessed to determine predictive factors for pSRF. ResultsOverall, 100 eyes of 100 patients, mean age of 59.9 +/- 12.6 years were included. pSRF was found in 21.0% of eyes and resolved over time in 85.7% of eyes at 12 months. In the pSRF group both RRD and fellow eyes showed lower mean choroidal and RPE thickness values as compared to those without pSRF (p < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between pSRF occurrence and choroidal thinning (p = 0.02). After multiple regression analyses, macula-off RRD (p = 0.005) and scleral buckling (SB) technique (p = 0.001) were retained as final predictors for pSRF. In macula-off SB eyes, detachment duration was the only factor associated with pSRF (p = 0.046). There were no significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity outcomes between the pSRF and the no-pSRF eyes. ConclusionsPatients with pSRF showed lower choroidal and RPE thickness as compared to those without pSRF. CT did not turn out to be a final predictor for pSRF, as this was mainly associated with macular involvement, surgical technique and detachment duration.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the association between choroidal thickness and persistent subretinal fluid (pSRF) after simple primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. The results showed that patients with pSRF had lower choroidal and RPE thickness compared to those without pSRF. However, choroidal thickness was not a final predictor for pSRF, as it was mainly associated with macular involvement, surgical technique, and detachment duration.