Standardized echography, pattern electroretinography and visual-evoked potential and automated perimetry in the early diagnosis of Graves' neuropathy.
Twenty-four patients (47 eyes) affected by Graves' disease were enrolled to evaluate the role of standardized echography, pattern electroretinogram (P-ERG), visual evoked potentials (P-VEPs) and automated perimetry in the early diagnosis of the compressive optic neuropathy (CON). The P-ERG amplitude reduction was the most sensitive parameter to demonstrate an early impairment of the optic nerve (ON) function. We found a significant negative correlation between the ON diameter and the P-ERG amplitude. VEPs responses were also altered, but their ability in detecting an early ON damage was less sensitive and specific than P-ERG. The visual field damage was often aspecific and delayed with respect to electrophysiological alterations.
Genovesi-Ebert
F
F
Neuroscience Department, Institute of Opthalmology, Pisa University, Pisa, Italy.
Di Bartolo
E
E
Lepri
A
A
Poggi
V
V
Romani
A
A
Nardi
M
M
D004596:Electroretinography; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014792:Visual Acuity; D058609:Visual Field Tests; D014794:Visual Fields