Fibrotic scar formation in central serous chorioretinopathy developed during systemic treatment with corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the development of subretinal fibrotic scar formation in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) that developed during systemic corticosteroid treatment.

METHODS: The clinical and photographic records of a patient in whom an unusual manifestation of severe central serous chorioretinopathy developed during systemic corticosteroid treatment were reviewed.

RESULTS: A 34-year-old man received high dosages of corticosteroids for several years because of severe asthma. There was no previous history of idiopathic CSCR. He developed three successive attacks of CSCR. On the third occasion, an unusual variant of severe CSCR was observed which presented as a bullous sensory retinal detachment with subretinal serofibrinous exudate followed by subretinal fibrosis and fibrotic scar formation with contracting bands. After tapering of the corticosteroid dosage to a low level the retinal detachment resolved without laser treatment.

CONCLUSION: The finding suggests that during systemic corticosteroid treatment atypical manifestations of CSCR may develop with subretinal fibrosis and scar formation.