Corticosteroids and central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between corticosteroid use and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

DESIGN: A prospective, case-controlled study.

PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: A consecutive series of patients with acute manifestations of CSC and a control group matched for age, race, and gender were recruited between January 2000 and July 2000.

METHODS: A detailed clinical history was taken, and fundus examination with slit-lamp biomicroscopy was performed on all patients. Fluorescein angiography was obtained on the study patients.

RESULTS: A total of 50 patients was recruited. Twenty-six patients (52%) had a history of exogenous steroid use, including oral, intravenous, intranasal, and intraarticular administration. Two additional patients had a history of endogenous hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome). In a matched control group, eight patients (18%) had a history of steroid use. The difference in corticosteroid exposure between study patients and controls was statistically significant (P < 0.0001).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: History of corticosteroid use or Cushing's syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is consistent with previous reports associating steroid use with CSC. It identifies corticosteroids as a significant risk factor for the development of acute, exudative macular manifestation and implicates hypercortisolism as a factor in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Several forms of corticosteroid administration were observed to be a risk factor for CSC. Accordingly, susceptible patients in need of corticosteroids should be advised of the risk of developing acute manifestations of CSC.