Fundus autofluorescence abnormalities can predict fluorescein angiography abnormalities in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy

PurposeThis study is to assess the possible correlation between findings on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and fluorescein angiography (FA) in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).MethodsThis multicentre retrospective cohort study included 71 cCSC patients (92 eyes) with at least 6 months of follow-up, who had a FAF-FA imaging discrepancy larger than 0.5 optic disc diameters in size in the corresponding areas of hyperfluorescent abnormalities. A comparison was performed between progression in size of areas of hyperautofluorescent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities on FAF (HF-FAF) and the hyperfluorescent areas on FA (HF-FA) at first visit and last visit. The possible correlations were estimated between FAF-FA discrepancy and disease characteristics.ResultsThe median area of HF-FAF at first visit was 7.48 mm(2) (1.41-27.9). The median area of HF-FA at first visit and last visit was 2.40 mm(2) (0.02-17.27) and 5.22 mm(2) (0.53-25.62), respectively. FAF-FA discrepancy was associated with follow-up duration and the area of HF-FAF at first visit. A mathematical algorithm for grading FAF-FA discrepancy in time was suggested, which predicted the enlargement of hyperfluorescent RPE abnormalities on FA in 82.6% of cases.ConclusionThere is a statistically significant relationship between the areas of HF-FAF and HF-FA in cCSC patients with FAF-FA imaging discrepancy at first presentation. Long-term changes in RPE alterations in cCSC on FA can be predicted based on baseline HF-FAF and follow-up duration.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess the correlation between findings on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and fluorescein angiography (FA) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC) patients. The discrepancy between FAF and FA was measured and compared, and a relationship between the discrepancy and disease characteristics was found. The study suggests that baseline FAF and follow-up duration can predict long-term changes in cCSC.