Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Outbreak during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the potential association between the COVID-19 pandemic and a new presentation of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted, comparing the incidence of new-onset CSCR cases among ophthalmology patients in a regional medical facility in southern Israel between two distinct periods: the COVID-19 pandemic era in Israel, which occurred from 27 February 2020 to 20 December 2020, and the non-pandemic period from calendar years 2018 to 2021, excluding the specific epidemic phase mentioned. Disease severity was evaluated based on recovery time, visual acuity loss, and central macular thickness via OCT. Results: Over the four-year period, 35 new cases of CSCR were recorded. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 17 new cases (0.005% per population) were identified, compared with 18 new cases (0.002% per population) in the preceding three years. The odds ratio for acute CSCR during the pandemic was 2.83 (95% CI, 1.46-5.50) with a p-value of 0.02. CSCR cases during the pandemic seemed to exhibit worse clinical characteristics, though not statistically significant. Additionally, 22.2% of the COVID-19 pandemic group had confirmed COVID-19 cases, which was statistically significantly higher than the general population's reported cases (6%). Conclusion: The study revealed a statistically significant increase of over 2.5 times in acute CSCR incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with non-pandemic periods. The findings suggest that the pandemic's stressful changes may have unintended consequences on the occurrence of CSCR, highlighting the importance of mental health support and psychoeducation for affected patients.

Association of Central serous chorioretinopathy with type of personality, anxiety and depression

PURPOSE

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) a relatively common cause of visual impairment, which is characterized by subretinal fluid accumulation in the macula and is more common in middle-aged males. Various risk factors have been reported in literature, among which substantial role of psychological factors is cited. Our aim was to look for the prevalence and association of the psychiatric factors in CSCR patients and to compare them with other non-chorioretinal ocular pathologies.

METHODS

A cross-sectional correlational study was undertaken involving 91 CSCR patients, along with 91 patients with other non-chorioretinal diseases. Their risk factors, clinical history, ocular examination, and psychiatric assessments were done using standardized tools, and the groups were compared in terms of scoring of Framingham Type A scale (FTAS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).

RESULTS

CSCR patients had a male:female ratio of 8:1. Chronic, bilateral, and recurrent diseases were found in 15%, 20%, and 23% cases, respectively. Anxiety disorder had a prevalence of 40%, followed by major depression with a prevalence of 24%, and these were significantly higher than non-chorioretinal disease patients (odds ratios 14.18 and 5.30, respectively). Also, these psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with an overall lower visual acuity and greater central macular thickness due to subretinal fluid accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric comorbidities like Type A personality trait and depression and anxiety disorders were significantly more prevalent in CSCR patients, compared to non-chorioretinal pathologies. Focus on psychological health would certainly benefit these patients in terms of better management of not only CSCR, but their psychiatric morbidity as well.

Increased risk of glaucoma development in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy: results of a 11-year population-based cohort study

PURPOSE

To investigate whether patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) have increased risk of developing glaucoma.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with CSC between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018 were included in this study using data from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). The CSC cohort was matched with a non-CSC cohort using the propensity score matching method, based on sex, age (in 10-year intervals), index date year, comorbidities, and steroid use, resulting in equal numbers of patients in both cohorts. Patients were followed up until 31 December 2019 or until they were withdrawn from the NHIRD. The incidence of glaucoma was compared between the two cohorts using the Cox regression model, and the risk of developing glaucoma was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

After adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and steroid use, the CSC cohort showed a significantly higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to those without CSC (adjusted HR = 3.99; 95% CI = 3.44-4.62). The cumulative incidence of glaucoma in the CSC cohort was also significantly higher than in the non-CSC cohort (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Among the glaucoma subtypes, normal tension glaucoma had the highest risk (adjusted HR = 5.79; 95% CI = 3.41-9.85), followed by primary open-angle glaucoma (adjusted HR = 2.77; 95% CI = 2.12-3.62).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our study shows that CSC patients are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, especially NTG. Awareness and regular glaucoma screenings are essential for patients with CSC.

[Central serous chorioretinopathy: A review]

The central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by serous retinal detachments SRD associated with one or several retinal pigment epithelium detachments/irregularities (PEDs). The choroid is thickened with dilated choroidal veins and choroidal hyperpermeability suggesting an underlying choroidopathy. CSCR belongs to the pachychoroid spectrum. CSCR affects mostly middle-aged men and the main risk factor is the corticosteroid intake. In most cases, the subretinal detachment resolves spontaneously with a good visual prognosis. However, recurrent or chronic form of the disease can lead to irreversible retinal damage and decreased visual acuity. Laser on an extra foveal leak point or half dose/half fluence photodynamic therapy are the first-line treatment options.

Risk of retinopathy in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension: a nationwide population-based cohort study of 9-year follow-up after delivery

BACKGROUND

The retina is potentially associated with several physiological, hormonal, and metabolic changes during pregnancy. The few available epidemiologic studies of ocular changes in pregnancy have mainly concerned retinopathies. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, which leads to ocular manifestations including blurred vision, photopsia, scotoma, and diplopia, might induce reactive changes in the retinal vessels. Although several studies have suggested the existence of pregnancy-induced hypertension-related retinal ocular disease, there are few large cohort studies on this topic.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the risk of major retinal diseases including central serous chorioretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal artery occlusion, and hypertensive retinopathy in the long-term postpartum stage according to the presence of previous pregnancy-induced hypertension in a large cohort based on the Korean National Health Insurance Database.

STUDY DESIGN

On the basis of Korean health data, 909,520 patients who delivered from 2012 to 2013 were analyzed. Among them, patients who had previous ocular diseases or hypertension and multiple births were excluded. Finally, 858,057 mothers were assessed for central serous chorioretinopathy (ICD-10: H35.70), diabetic retinopathy (ICD-10: H36.0, E10.31, E10.32, E11.31, E11.32, E12.31, E13.31, E13.32, E14.31, E14.32), retinal vein occlusion (ICD-10: H34.8), retinal artery occlusion (ICD-10: H34.2), and hypertensive retinopathy (ICD-10: H35.02) for 9 years after delivery. Enrolled patients were divided into 2 groups: 10,808 patients with and 847,249 without pregnancy-induced hypertension. The primary outcomes were the incidence of central serous chorioretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal artery occlusion, and hypertensive retinopathy 9 years after delivery. Clinical variables were age, parity, cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus, and postpartum hemorrhage. In addition, pregestational diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and cardiovascular diseases were adjusted.

RESULTS

Postpartum retinal disease during the 9 years after delivery and total retinal diseases showed higher rates in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension. In detail, the rates of central serous chorioretinopathy (0.3% vs 0.1%), diabetic retinopathy (1.79% vs 0.5%), retinal vein occlusion (0.19% vs 0.1%), and hypertensive retinopathy (0.62% vs 0.05%) were higher than those found in patients without pregnancy-induced hypertension. After adjusting for confounding factors, pregnancy-induced hypertension was associated with development of postpartum retinopathy, with a >2-fold increase (hazard ratio, 2.845; 95% confidence interval, 2.54-3.188). Furthermore, pregnancy-induced hypertension affected the development of central serous chorioretinopathy (hazard ratio, 3.681; 95% confidence interval, 2.667-5.082), diabetic retinopathy (hazard ratio, 2.326; 95% confidence interval, 2.013-2.688), retinal vein occlusion (hazard ratio, 2.241; 95% confidence interval, 1.491-3.368), and hypertensive retinopathy (hazard ratio, 11.392; 95% confidence interval, 8.771-14.796) after delivery.

CONCLUSION

A history of pregnancy-induced hypertension increases the risk of central serous chorioretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and hypertensive retinopathy according to 9-year long-term ophthalmologic follow-up.

Vigorous Physical Activity as a Risk Factor for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether frequent vigorous physical activity (PA) is significantly associated with active central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and may represent a risk factor for CSCR.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

This was a multicenter study. The patient population comprised consecutive patients with active CSCR and a comparable control group of healthy participants. Both groups were interrogated about their PA using a shortened version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The Ainsworth Compendium of Physical Activities was taken as a reference for the activities requiring vigorous effort and to quantify the energy expended, expressed in metabolic equivalent of task (MET). As a main outcome measure, a moderate/high practice of vigorous PA was opposed to an absent/low practice of vigorous PA in the 2 groups.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients with CSCR and 105 healthy controls were included in the study. Moderate/high vigorous PA was observed in 63.5% of the patients with CSCR and in 26% of the controls (P = .0001). The MET values of vigorous PA were 2173.2 ± 2081.5 in the CSCR group and 1216.3 ± 524 in the control group (P = .029). The potential risk of disease associated with moderate/high vigorous PA was 5.58 (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval 3.01-10.69, P = .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a significant association of vigorous PA with CSCR, indicating an increased probability of disease by 5.58 times. Frequent and intense PA, with the hypertensive episodes that it entails, can break the precarious hemodynamic balance in the choroid of individuals predisposed to CSCR, thereby favoring choroidal vascular decompensation and active disease.

Increased risk for central serous chorioretinopathy in nephrotic syndrome patients: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by various etiologies that damage the glomerulus. Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a retinal disease characterized by neurosensory detachment of the retina. Several case reports have described the relationship between both. Therefore, we try to analyze the epidemiological associations between NS and CSCR using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan.

METHODS

Data spanning 14 years were extracted from the National Health Insurance Research Database and sub-grouped. The variables were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. The risk factors for disease development with or without comorbidities were examined using an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the cumulative incidence of CSCR with or without NS.

RESULTS

A total of 14 794 patients with NS and 14 794 matched controls without NS were enrolled in this cohort study. The incidence rate of CSCR was higher in the study cohort than in the control cohort (aHR = 3.349, p < 0.001). The overall incidence of CSCR was 44.51 per 100 000 person-years in the study cohort and 33.39 per 100 000 person-years in the control cohort. In both groups, CSCR occurred more frequently in males than in females. Patients aged 40-49, 50-59, and ≥60 years in the study cohort had a significantly higher risk of developing CSCR than those in the control cohort (aHR = 3.445, 5.421, and 4.957, all p < 0.001). NS patient with a 4-week history of steroid usage has a higher risk of developing CSCR (aHR = 2.010, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that patients with NS have an increased risk of developing subsequent CSCR. Physician should routinely refer their NS patients to ophthalmologist for ophthalmic evaluation. This is the first nationwide epidemiological study reporting the association between these two diseases. Further studies are needed to clarify this relationship.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Is a Significant Risk Factor for Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Male Veterans

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether psychosocial factors, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, are independently associated with the development of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), a predominantly male eye disorder. A secondary aim was to verify previously determined risk factors in a veteran population. All CSCR subjects seen in one year at a veteran eye clinic were included. Chart review was performed to identify general health information as well as eye history. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors that were independently associated with the development of CSCR. Fifty-one cases of CSCR were identified and an additional 51 age-matched controls with healthy eyes were used for analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that history of PTSD was strongly associated with the development of CSCR (OR = 9.43, p = .002), even more so than previously reported risk factors. Anxiety was significant at the univariate level (OR = 6.48, p = .001) but lost significance at the multivariate level. At the multivariate level, several existing risk factors were confirmed including sleep apnea (OR = 5.76, p = .004), heart disease (OR = 7.06, p = .004), smoking (OR = 5.52, p = .003) and steroid use (OR = 4.55, p = .005). PTSD was strongly associated with the development of CSCR in the veteran population studied and may represent an important modifiable risk factor.

Clinical characteristics of central serous chorioretinopathy in patients by age

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical characteristics of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with age.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

One-hundred and forty-seven CSC patients were classified into three age groups (aged <50 years (younger group; n=53), 50-70 years (middle group; n=68), and >70 years (senior group; n=26)) and the characteristics were compared. Bilateral ophthalmic evaluation included the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalents, fundus examination, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography.

RESULTS

The male/female ratio became lower at more advanced ages (P=0.011). Bilateral macular abnormalities were observed more frequently in the senior group than the other groups (p=0.018) and multiple drusen were characteristic in the senior group (p<0.0001). The more advanced age groups displayed a worse BCVA (P=0.002). The rate of eyes with flat retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevation on OCT was significantly higher in the middle group than the other groups (P=0.024). The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) was thickest in the younger group (P<0.0001). Unifocal leakage on FA and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability were mostly found in eyes of the younger group (P<0.001,P=0.020).

CONCLUSION

CSC cases in those aged >70 years were associated with an increased proportion of women and having bilateral macular abnormalities, multiple drusen, and multifocal leakage sites. The BCVA and the SCT decreased with age. Patients with CSC aged 50-70 years had the highest rate of flat RPE elevation on OCT. These characteristics need to be considered to make an accurate diagnosis, particularly in elderly patients.

Evaluation of the relationship between central serous chorioretinopathy and liver cirrhosis: A nationwide, population-based study

BACKGROUND

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and liver cirrhosis share numerous risk factors and may have possible connections. We aimed to investigate whether patients with liver cirrhosis and the severity of cirrhosis have an increased incidence of CSCR.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted by collecting data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2015. We included patients who were newly diagnosed with cirrhosis and selected an equal number of sex- and age-matched control subjects. The effect of cirrhosis on the risk of CSCR was examined via a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. The cumulative incidence of CSCR was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Both groups in this study comprised a total of 25 925 individuals. The cirrhotic patients had a significantly higher cumulative risk of developing CSCR in following years than patients without cirrhosis (log-rank test < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with noncirrhotic patients, the risk of CSCR was increased 3.59-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.31-5.28) in cirrhotic patients with complications, and 2.34-fold (95% CI, 1.27-3.24) in cirrhotic patients without complications. Additionally, male sex, springtime, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus statistical significantly increased the incidence of CSCR.

CONCLUSION

Cirrhosis is an independent indicator of CSCR. Among the cirrhotic population, patients with ascites and other complications have a higher incidence of CSCR than those with uncomplicated cirrhosis. Physicians should be observant when managing cirrhotic patients with visual disturbances.

The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Absolute Risk of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) stratified by age, sex, and diagnosis with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to determine whether some patients with newly diagnosed CSC may be candidates for OSA evaluation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We used the IBM MarketScan database to select 59,016,145 commercially insured patients in the United States between 2007 and 2016. We identified patients' first diagnosis with CSC, and defined patients as having OSA if they had a diagnosis following a sleep study. We specified Cox proportional hazard models with interactions between age, sex, and OSA status to determine patients' risk of developing CSC. We estimated the positive predictive value (PPV) that a new diagnosis of CSC would have in predicting a subsequent diagnosis of OSA.

RESULTS

Risk of CSC increased with age in years (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.030, P < .001) and OSA diagnosis (HR = 1.081, P < .033), and was lower in women (HR = 0.284, P < .001). We estimated the annual incidence of CSC was 9.6 and 23.4 per 100,000 women and men, respectively. Incidence was higher in women and men with OSA (17.2 and 40.8 per 100,000). The PPV of CSC diagnosis as a predictor of OSA was highest in the fifth decade of life.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of CSC in our patient sample is higher than previously reported. Risk of CSC is higher in men than in women, and OSA increases risk of CSC in both men and women. Some patients, particularly older male patients, may be good candidates for OSA evaluation following a CSC diagnosis.

Genome-wide association analyses identify two susceptibility loci for pachychoroid disease central serous chorioretinopathy

The recently emerged pachychoroid concept has changed the understanding of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a major cause of blindness; recent studies attributed AMD in part to pachychoroid disease central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), suggesting the importance of elucidating the CSC pathogenesis. Our large genome-wide association study followed by validation studies in three independent Japanese and European cohorts, consisting of 1546 CSC samples and 13,029 controls, identified two novel CSC susceptibility loci: TNFRSF10A-LOC389641 and near GATA5 (rs13278062, odds ratio = 1.35, P = 1.26 × 10-13; rs6061548, odds ratio = 1.63, P = 5.36 × 10-15). A T allele at TNFRSF10A-LOC389641 rs13278062, a risk allele for CSC, is known to be a risk allele for AMD. This study not only identified new susceptibility genes for CSC, but also improves the understanding of the pathogenesis of AMD.

Relationship between heart failure and central serous chorioretinopathy: A cohort study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Both central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and heart failure (HF) are disorders with a complex pathogenesis, whereas the two diseases might share similar pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate whether patients with HF are exposed to potential risk of CSCR by using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

METHODS

Data were collected from the NHIRD over a 14-year period. Variables were analyzed with the Pearson chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. The risk factors for disease development were examined by adjusted hazard ratio (aHR). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare the cumulative incidence of CSCR.

RESULTS

A total of 24 426 patients with HF were enrolled in the study cohort, and there were 24 426 patients without HF in the control cohort. The incidence rate of CSCR was higher in the study cohort than in the control cohort (aHR = 4.572, p < 0.001). CSCR occurred more commonly in males than in females. The overall incidence of CSCR was 30.07 per 100 000 person-years in the study cohort and 23.06 per 100 000 person-years in the control cohort. Besides, subgroup analysis revealed that no matter in gender or age group, HF patients were in an increased risk of CSCR diagnosis (male/female, aHR = 3.268/7.701; 20-59 years/≥60 years, aHR = 3.405/5.501, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

HF is a significant indicator for CSCR. Patients with HF should stay alert for potential disorder of visual impairment. Further prospective studies to investigate the relationship between HF and CSCR could provide more information.

Incident and recurrent cases of central serous chorioretinopathy, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2001-2018

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a condition that affects central visual function. It can produce blurred and/or distorted vision that can impact the performance of military duties. CSCR can recur in susceptible individuals. Incident cases of CSCR among active component service members were found to average 18.3 per 100,000 person-years (p-yrs) during 2001-2018. Incidence rates increased during the surveillance period by 60.7% and were more common with increasing age. Overall rates of incident CSCR diagnoses were highest among Air Force (20.7 per 100,000 p-yrs) and Navy members (19.9 per 100,000 p-yrs) and lowest among Marine Corps members (12.5 per 100,000 p-yrs). Pilot/air crew occupational groups had rates almost twice that of other groups. Annual recurrence rates increased 71.4% over the course of the 18-year period.

Increased risk of central serous chorioretinopathy following end-stage renal disease: A nationwide population-based study

This retrospective, nationwide, matched cohort study investigated the risk of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) following end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The study cohort included 84722 ESRD patients who were registered between January 2000 and December 2009 at the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. An age- and sex-matched control group comprised 84722 patients selected from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. We collected information for each patient from the index date until December 2011. During the follow-up period, we found a significantly elevated risk of CSCR in the ESRD patients compared with controls (incidence rate ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval = 1.24-1.84). After adjustment for potential confounders, including age, sex, coronary artery disease, peptic ulcer, and obstructive sleep apnea, ESRD patients were 1.41 times more likely to develop CSCR (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.14-1.73). In conclusion, we found that ESRD patients showed a significantly higher risk of developing CSCR and recommend regular retina examinations and education regarding CSCR for patients with ESRD.

Frequency of Systemic Risk Factors in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of various systemic risk factors associated with acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) in our setup.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive case series.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology (AFIO), Rawalpindi, from July 2011 to June 2014.

METHODOLOGY

All consecutive patients with acute CSCR who presented in the outpatient department during the study period were recruited. Clinical findings were endorsed on a pre-devised proforma with special emphasis on inquiring about known systemic risk factors for CSCR in detail from each patient. Patients were managed conservatively with control of modifiable risk factors and topical 0.1% Nepafenac eye drops. Analysis of data was done using SPSS version 13.0.

RESULTS

Forty-four eyes of 42 patients were eligible for final analysis. The mean age of study population was 37.38 ±6.31 years with 38 (90.47%) male patients. Elevated serum cortisol and serum testosterone levels were found in 3 and 2 patients, respectively. Known systemic risk factors for CSCR were present in 36 (85.71%) patients with emotional stress/psychiatric disorder 15 (35.71%), Type Apersonality 11 (26.19%), smoking 10 (19.04%), hypertension 5 (11.90%), and acid peptic disease 4 (9.52%) were the most frequently found risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Emotional stress/psychiatric illness, hypertension, acid peptic disease and use of exogenous steroids and other medicines are the established risk factors for CSCR that can be modified/withdrawn to reduce the morbidity related to CSCR.

Increased risk of erectile dysfunction among males with central serous chorioretinopathy -- a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) mostly affects middle-aged men and has been associated with stress and hypercortisolism. We hypothesized that some factors prone to inducing CSCR could also have a harmful effect on erectile function. This study aimed to investigate the risk of subsequent erectile dysfunction after CSCR using Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

METHODS

The study cohort (n = 1220) consisted of newly diagnosed CSCR men aged 19-64 years between 1999 and 2007, and men matched for age, monthly income and time of enrolment were randomly selected as the control group (n = 10870). Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to calculate the hazard ratios (HR) of clinically diagnosed erectile dysfunction (including organic origin and/or psychogenic origin) for the two groups. Erectile dysfunction-free survival analysis was assessed using a Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (2.0%) from the CSCR cohort and 103 (0.9%) from the control group were diagnosed erectile dysfunction clinically during a mean observation period of 4.3 years. Patients with CSCR had a significantly higher incidence of erectile dysfunction diagnosis than those without CSCR (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, geographic location, chronic comorbidities and medication habits, patients with CSCR were found to have a 2.22-fold [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.42-3.46] higher hazard ratio of a subsequent erectile dysfunction diagnosis than the matched controls. The adjusted HR for organic and psychogenic erectile dysfunction were 2.14 (95% CI: 1.34-3.44) and 3.83 (95% CI: 1.47-10.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Central serous chorioretinopathy was independently associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with erectile dysfunction.

Epidemiology of idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy in Taiwan, 2001-2006: a population-based study

Objectives

The epidemiology of idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is not well understood in an Asian population. The present study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for corticosteroid-unrelated CSCR using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database.

Methods and Results

From 2001 to 2006, a total of 786 patients (500 [63.6%] males) who were newly diagnosed with CSCR, aged from 20 to 64 years and had no history of corticosteroid prescription were identified as incident cases of idiopathic CSCR. 3606 age-, gender-, and enrollment time-matched subjects were randomly selected as the control group. The mean annual incidence was 0.21‰ (0.27‰ for males, and 0.15‰ for females; P<0.001), with a male/female ratio of 1.74. The peak incidence was in the 35- to 39-year-old age group (0.30‰), followed by the 40- to 44-year-old age group (0.26‰). Males had a significantly higher mean annual incidence than female only in the middle age groups. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for potential risk factors of idiopathic CSCR. Only exposure to anti-anxiety drugs (OR, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–2.44) was found to be independently associated with idiopathic CSCR among males. No risk factors of idiopathic CSCR were found for females.

Conclusions

This study provides the nationwide, population-based data on the incidence of idiopathic CSCR in adult Asians, and suggests that exposure to anti-anxiety drugs is an independent risk factor for idiopathic CSCR among males.