Choroidal imaging biomarkers as predictors of recurrent central serous chorioretinopathy: A multicenter retrospective study – MICRoN report number five

Background: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is usually self-limiting but recurs in 30–50% of cases. This study compares demographic, clinical, and imaging data between patients with and without recurrent CSCR to identify predictors of recurrence. Methods: Baseline and follow-up data were collected from 277 eyes of 265 patients with acute CSCR. Patients were divided into recurrent or non-recurrent CSCR groups based on recurrence within three months of resolution. OCT biomarkers analyzed included central macular thickness (CMT), double-layered sign (DLS), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), neurosensory retinal detachment height (NSRD), Haller layer thickness (HVT), inner choroidal thickness (ICT), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI). Results: This study involved 265 patients with 277 eyes. The non-recurrent group comprised 157 patients (158 eyes), with 108 (119 eyes) in the recurrent group. Baseline mean CMT and ICT at follow-up were significantly greater in the non-recurrent group than in the recurrent group. Follow-up CMT and DLS heights were significantly greater in the recurrent group. Mean CVI was significantly greater in the non-recurrent group than the recurrent group at baseline and follow-up. In a multivariate logistic regression model, hypertension was significantly negatively associated with non-recurrent CSCR (OR = 0.449, 95% CI: 0.236–0.855, p = 0.015). Conclusion: The non-recurrent group had significantly increased CMT at baseline but significantly decreased CMT and DLS height at follow-up. ICT was greater in the non-recurrent group compared to recurrent counterparts at follow-up. Mean CVI was greater in the non-recurrent group at both time points. Hypertension may be associated with disease recurrence.