Severe retinal thermal injury after indocyanine green-mediated photothrombosis for central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report severe retinal thermal damage after indocyanine green-mediated photothrombosis (IMP) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

DESIGN: Interventional case report.

METHODS: A 31-year-old white male underwent IMP for chronic CSC.

RESULTS: During the procedure, retinal whitening was observed in the area of the treatment spot. Fluorescein angiography revealed staining of the retinal arteries in the treated area. One year later, macular retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) changes were seen, accompanied by severe loss of vision.

CONCLUSIONS: IMP has been described as a relatively safe treatment option for persistent CSC. However, we herein report a case in which severe retinal damage occurred as a consequence of the treatment. We thus alert clinicians of this potential adverse event.