Idiopathic Serous Detachment of the Choroid,Ciliary Body,and Retina (Uveal Effusion Syndrome)

Nine patients with bilateral idiopathic serous detachment of the peripheral choroid, ciliary body, and retina (uveal effusion syndrome)are presented. The following features are emphasized: (1) dilationof episcleral vessels, (2) vitreous cells, (3) characteristic leopardspot pigment epithelial changes, and (4) ultrasonic and angiographic findings. One patient presented with recurrent serous macular detachment and was misdiagnosed as idiopathic central serous choroidopathy. Although the pathogenesis of this syndrome is uncertain, the available clinical and histopathologic findings suggest that obstruction of the venous outflow of the uveal tract occurring predominantly in nanophthalmic or normal size eyes with abnormally thick sclera and vortex vein anomalies may be the primary cause of the uveal and retinal detachment.