title: Multifocal and pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials vs. automated perimetry frequency-doubling technology matrix in optic neuritis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To compare the usefulness of the traditional pattern-reversal Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) with multifocal VEP (mfVEP) and Frequency-Doubling Technology (FDT) perimetry in the evaluation of the ocular abnormalities induced by acute or subacute optic neuritis (ON).
  
  
  METHODS
  The test results of 24 ON patients were compared with those obtained in 40 normal control subjects. MfVEP recordings were obtained by using an Optoelectronic Stimulator that extracts topographic VEP using a pseudorandom m-sequence stimulus. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to determine the sensitivity and specificity of abnormal values.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency of the abnormal ocular findings differed in the ON patients according to the used technique. Reduced visual sensitivity was demonstrated in 12 eyes (54.5%) using FDT perimetry; 17 eyes (77.2%) showed decreased amplitude and/or an increase in the implicit time of the P1 wave in mfVEP and 20 eyes (90.9%) showed an abnormal decrease in the amplitude and/or an increase in the latency of the P100 peak at VEP examination. The areas under the ROC curves ranged from 0.743 to 0.935, with VEP having the largest areas. The VEP and mfVEP amplitudes and latencies yielded the greatest sensitivity and specificity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mfVEP and the FDT perimetry can be used for the evaluation and monitoring of visual impairment in patients with ON. The most sensitive and practical diagnostic tool in patients with ON is, however, the traditional VEP. The mfVEP can be utilized in those cases with doubtful or negative VEP results.
authors: Department of Sense Organs, Electrophysiology Ocular Centre, Sapienza University of Rome, viale del policlinico Rome, Italy.
authors: Marcella
authors: M
authors: Nebbioso
authors: Robert D
authors: RD
authors: Steigerwalt
authors: Josè
authors: J
authors: Pecori-Giraldi
authors: Enzo M
authors: EM
authors: Vingolo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012372:ROC Curve; D058609:Visual Field Tests / Q000379:methods*; D014794:Visual Fields