Central serous chorioretinopathy and systemic corticosteroids in rheumatic diseases: report of three cases

Background: Central serous chorioretinopathy is a disorder often related to systemic corticosteroids, drugs commonly used in rheumatologists' clinical practice. Central serous chorioretinopathy prognosis is generally good but in some cases, it may lead to substantial loss of vision resulting in an important functional limitation for patients. It is very important to distinguish this pathology from other diseases involving retinal detachment. When central serous chorioretinopathy and uveitis coexist, it is mandatory to distinguish serous retinal detachment from a uveitis worsening, as the respective treatments can be radically different. Case presentation: We describe three cases of central serous chorioretinopathy in patients taking systemic corticosteroids due to rheumatological diseases (ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Behcet's disease). They were diagnosed and managed at our Multidisciplinary (Rheumatology-Ophthalmology) Uveitis Clinic. All three cases improved after corticosteroids dose tapering. Conclusion: Central serous chorioretinopathy must be kept in mind by rheumatologists as it is related to systemic corticosteroids.