Helicobacter pylori as a risk factor for central serous chorioretinopathy: Literature review

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a Gram-negative bacterium, is one of the most frequent causes of gastrointestinal infections worldwide. It has been associated as a pathogen for the human body with many systemic diseases, including different eye diseases. We will focus on a specific eye disease called idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSCR). This disease is characterized by a serous detachment of the neurosensory retina in the macular region, which affects the vision to different degrees. Currently, the pathophysiology of ICSCR is not clear and there is no effective treatment. However, several potential risk factors have been elucidated. One of the factors that has more frequently been associated with ICSCR is stress. As H. pylori was identified as a possible etiological factor for occlusive arterial diseases in young people who were particularly stressed, it was thought that H. pylori might also be present in ICSCR. Therefore, some physicians started to test its presence in patents with ICSCR. If H. pylori happened to be associated with ICSCR, the treatment of gastrointestinal infection could also improve visual symptoms and help to remediate this eye disease. Although H. pylori is highly prevalent in the general population, a true correlation seems to exist. We present a review on the relationship between ICSCR and H. pylori.

Keywords: Eye disease; Helicobacter pylori; Idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy; Occlusive arterial disease; Retina.

Figures

Figure 1

Optical coherence tomography image showing separation of the sensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium.

Figure 2

Fluorescein angiography at 2 (A) and 20 (B) min. A: The early phase shows a hyperfluorescent spot due to leakage of dye through the RPE; B: During the late venous phase, fluorescein passes into the subretinal space and spreads until the entire area is filled with dye.