Objective: To examine the potential association of central serous chor
ioretinopathy with endogenous hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome). D
esigns: Ophthalmologic survey of consecutively admitted patients with
endogenous Cushing's syndrome. Setting: An eye clinic of a research ce
nter (National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Md). Patients: Sixty consecuti
ve patients with confirmed endogenous Cushing's syndrome. Main Outcome
Measures: Findings from complete ophthalmologic evaluation. Results:
Three (5%) of 60 patients had one or more episodes of appropriately do
cumented central serous chorioretinopathy. In all cases, the episodes
occurred during the period of hypercortisolism. Conclusions: Central s
erous chorioretinopathy is an uncommon manifestation of endogenous Cus
hing's syndrome. Since central serous chorioretinopathy has been assoc
iated with other hypercortisolemic states, we suggest that glucocortic
oids may play a role in the development of this disease.