Bilateral and Multiple Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review

Cureus. 2022 Mar 17;14(3):e23246. doi: 10.7759/cureus.23246. eCollection 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is rare. We describe an adult patient who survived a COVID-19 infection and received intravenous and oral corticosteroid treatment for three weeks. He presented three weeks post COVID-19 infection with central visual loss in both eyes for six days. Fundus examination showed multiple localized serous retinal detachments in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the macula confirmed the presence of multiple areas of serous retinal detachment and pigment epithelial detachment. The patient was treated with topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops and regained full visual recovery after three months. Corticosteroid treatment for COVID-19 and psychological stress induced by the disease are potential risk factors for the development of CSCR. Physicians should be aware of this side effect, as an early referral to an ophthalmologist for treatment is essential.

Keywords: central serous chorioretinopathy; central visual loss; corticosteroid treatment; covid-19 infection; psychological stress.

Publication types

  • Case Reports