Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy After Prolonged Application of Topical Minoxidil: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The document presents a case report of a 38-year-old man who developed acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) after using topical minoxidil for androgenic alopecia (hair loss) for 8 months. CSCR is a condition where fluid accumulates under the retina, causing it to detach, and it predominantly affects males. The patient's symptoms resolved 3 months after discontinuing minoxidil. The report suggests that minoxidil, which is used to promote hair growth, may increase vascular permeability in the choroid (the layer of blood vessels behind the retina), leading to fluid leakage into the subretinal space. However, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. The authors conclude that while CSCR secondary to prolonged minoxidil use is infrequent, healthcare professionals should be aware of this potential risk.