Multifocal electroretinogram in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE

To assess local retinal function of macula in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

METHODS

Multifocal electroretinograms (ERGs) were recorded in 5 patients with unilateral CSC and 20 normal subjects. The waveforms from the central retina within 5 degrees of visual angle were analyzed. The first negative trough was designated as N1, the first positive peak as P1, and the second trough as N2.

RESULTS

The multifocal ERG amplitudes were significantly reduced at the first attack of CSC in all patients compared with the values in the normal controls, for P1-N1 (P <.01) and for P1-N2 (P <.01). Multifocal ERG latencies of the patients significantly increased compared with normal controls, for P1 (P <.01) and N2 (P <.01). After the resolution of retinal detachment, although the multifocal ERG amplitudes increased markedly, they did not improve to the normal level during the follow-up period (4-23 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent functional impairment of the retina was found by multifocal ERGs in patients with CSC after the resolution of subretinal fluid. A topographical analysis of the multifocal ERG is useful in the clinical observation of CSC.