Dark and white lesions observed in central serous chorioretinopathy on optical coherence tomography angiography

Abstract

Purpose:

To describe abnormal dark (hyposignal) and white (hypersignal) lesions observed on optical coherence tomography angiography in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Methods:

Prospective, multicenter, and descriptive study including patients with active or quiescent central serous chorioretinopathy. All patients had undergone a complete ophthalmic examination.

Results:

Abnormal dark lesions were detected as “dark spots” and “dark areas” on optical coherence tomography angiography. A “dark spot” could correspond to six different abnormalities: pigment epithelium detachment, subretinal deposit, “Lucency” within surrounding subretinal fibrin, choroidal cavitation, choroidal excavation, and choroidal fluid. A “dark area” could be related to a serous retinal detachment or choriocapillary compression. Abnormal white lesions were also detected: A “white spot” could correspond with the leaking point on fluorescein angiography or with hyper-reflective dots; A “white filamentous pattern” at the Brüch’s membrane level corresponded to abnormal choroidal neovascular vessels.

Conclusion:

A semiology is described using optical coherence tomography angiography in central serous chorioretinopathy as abnormal dark and white lesions. Multimodal imaging is mandatory in addition to optical coherence tomography angiography to diagnose non-neovascular retinal and choroidal central serous chorioretinopathy lesions. However, optical coherence tomography angiography alone is helpful in detecting choroidal neovascular membrane in central serous chorioretinopathy.