Atypical Presentation of Choroidal Folds: Steroid-induced Central Serous Chorioretinopathy-like Maculopathy

Choroidal folds, or chorioretinal folds, are defined as undulations of the retina and choroid. Anatomically, they include the inner choroid, Bruch’s membrane, and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). On fundus examination, they are seen mostly outside the macular area and appear as pigmentary changes with yellow and dark streaks. Occasionally RPE atrophy occurs, which angiographically resembles an angioid streak.^1,2

Known causes of choroidal folds are retrobulbar masses, thyroid eye disease, posterior scleritis, acquired hypermetropia, uveal effusion syndrome, ocular surgery, hypotony, and optic neuropathy.^2,3 Cases with unknown etiology are defined as idiopathic. Visual acuity can be affected if the folds involve the macula. Although the pathogenic mechanism of choroidal folds is still unclear, two different theories have been suggested. The first theory postulates that the pathogenicity of the folds results from a close relationship between the choriocapillaris and Bruch’s membrane such that choroidal expansion can cause folds in Bruch’s membrane. The second theory suggests that the relationship between stress and strain that arises from the sclera and choroid may cause choroidal folds.¹

The aim of this study is to present clinical data obtained at the first visit and follow up examination of a patient presenting with choroidal folds, central serous retinopathy (CSR)-like maculopathy, and hypermetropia.

Choroidal folds are defined as wrinkles of the RPE and choroid, and in the neural retina secondary to these. Choroidal folds should be carefully investigated clinically because of the underlying pathology. They are associated with inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious diseases.^1,2 Visual acuity, fundus examination, OCT, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, ophthalmic ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging are the tools that have diagnostic importance. In the present study, a 70-year-old female presented with choroidal folds, axial hypermetropia, and CSR-like maculopathy induced by corticosteroid use.

Olsen et al.² defined three angiographic stages for choroidal folds. Stage 1 was described as alternating bands of hyperfluorescence and hypofluorescence, stage 2 as a breakdown of RPE along with the breaks in the Bruch’s membrane, and stage 3 as occult choroidal neovascularization. RPE atrophy may be seen in the valleys of these bands.⁴ In the present study, we observed the presence of alternating bands due to pigmentary changes in the chorioretinal folds and angioid streak-like lesions around the optic disc (Figure 2, 3). Therefore, we thought that the patient may have stage 2 choroidal folds.

The etiology of choroidal folds can be manifold. One of the most important etiologic causes is hypermetropia. In reporting the demographic characteristics of their patient group, Olsen et al.² indicated that 18 of 25 patients with known etiology had hypermetropia. Saoji et al.³ presented a case with axial hypermetropia, choroidal folds, and subretinal fluid. The patient had short axial length and therefore was at risk of disease development.

Choroidal folds are generally not associated with subretinal or intraretinal fluid, with very few studies reporting this. One mechanism suggested for the accumulation of subretinal or intraretinal fluid is localized capillary and venous congestion along the folds leading to capillary hyperpermeability. It has also been suggested that choroidal folds can affect the function of the RPE and cause fluid accumulation.^3,5,6,7 Our patient had CSR-like maculopathy and was taking systemic corticosteroids concurrently for the previous 2 months. Corticosteroid treatment may have contributed to the development of maculopathy in our patient, who already had choroidal congestion due to the presence of chorioretinal folds.

The relationship between corticosteroid intake and CSR is well defined. CSR is characterized by neurosensory retinal detachment and subretinal fluid accumulation. Although intraretinal fluid accumulation may occur, particularly in chronic cases, it is not typical for all cases. In previous reports, intraretinal and/or subretinal fluid accumulation with choroidal folds was annotated as CSR-like maculopathy or chorioretinal folds-related maculopathy. There are only a few case reports about this condition in the literature.^3,6,7,8 In the present study, the patient was observed to have choroidal folds and a short axial length. Therefore, the patient was already at risk for developing CSR-like maculopathy, which may have been exacerbated by corticosteroid treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient who had CSR-like maculopathy with choroidal folds who was also concurrently treated with corticosteroids.

We present a patient with choroidal folds and atypical retinal findings that resembled CSR. The etiology for the development of choroidal folds should be closely investigated. In the present case, the patient had short axial length, rheumatoid arthritis, and was taking corticosteroids, which most likely contributed to the pathology. The clinician should therefore be aware of additional systemic diseases and the corresponding treatments, as these may contribute to the etiology in atypical cases.