[Optic nerve involvement in neuro-syphilis: diagnostic evaluation by pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEP) (author's transl)].

Pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEP) were recorded in 41 patients suffering from syphilis in different stages. --In a latent syphilis 3 from 50 eyes (6%) had abnormal VEPs although ophthalmological findings were normal. --In neuro-syphilis, however, 16 from 32 eyes (50%) showed delayed responses. Ophthalmological findings were much less abnormal: visual acuity in 12%, visual field in 19%, and either or both of them in 25%. Pupillary disturbances were observed in 62%.