Endocrine abnormalities in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

Abstract

To investigate and to identify endocrine and metabolic abnormalities in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Observational case series. Twenty-four patients with CSCR. Serum and urinary catecholamines, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, serum testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) function were evaluated prospectively. Fifty percent (12 of 24) of patients with active acute CSCR showed elevated 24-hour urine cortisol or tetrahydroaldosterone levels. Serum aldosterone levels were low in 7 of 24 (29.1%) patients. Single morning plasma catecholamine levels were elevated in 7 of 24 patients, although 24-hour urine metanephrines (catecholamine breakdown products) were normal. Serum testosterone and TSH levels were normal in nearly all (23 of 24) patients. Many patients with acute CSCR have elevated 24-hour urine corticosteroids, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disorder. Endogenous mineralocorticoid dysfunction is a newly described feature of CSCR.