Central serous retinopathy and presenile disciform exudative macular degeneration. Is there an aetiological relationship between these two exudative conditions of the macula?

The clinical syndromes central serous retinopathy (RCS) and presenile exudative disciform macular degeneration (PEDMD) are well known, but the causes of the pathophysiological and pathoanatomical changes in the choriocapillaris, Bruch's membrane and pigment epithelium as predisposing factors are unknown. Apparently these two degenerative macular conditions are different. However, they possibly represent two manifestations of the same nosological entity, which is initially dominated by a subretinal exudation in the macular region. It is therefore also reasonable to consider that RCS can be part of, or an initial stage of PEDMD. In the present study these possibilities have been demonstrated by a follow-up examination, using among other things fluorescein angiography of a selective material of 20 patients with RCS. In addition, it is shown that RCS can be a more serious condition with regard to the central vision than is generally accepted.