K Rüther1, P Ehlich, A Philipp, A Eckstein, E Zrenner. 1. Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité und Virchow Klinikum, Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Germany. ruether@ukrv.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tumors compressing the optic pathway may lead to irreversible loss of vision which may be detected by the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) because of its relation to ganglion cell function. METHODS: Eyes of 19 patients were tested shortly before and 5-10 days after tumor surgery. Visual acuity, the 30-deg visual field and the transient and steady-state pattern reversal ERG were measured. RESULTS: Using patterns of 1.5 x 1.2 deg there was a good correlation between the change of pre- and post-surgical visual performance and most of the pattern ERG amplitudes. For all variables tested--P50, N95- and steady-state amplitude--there was a critical value beyond which the visual outcome could be bad or favorable, whereas patients showing higher amplitudes always remained stable or improved after surgery. CONCLUSION: The positive correlation between pattern ERG amplitudes and the post-surgical outcome in the case of tumors affecting the optic pathway may be helpful in predicting the outcome for these patients.
BACKGROUND:Tumors compressing the optic pathway may lead to irreversible loss of vision which may be detected by the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) because of its relation to ganglion cell function. METHODS: Eyes of 19 patients were tested shortly before and 5-10 days after tumor surgery. Visual acuity, the 30-deg visual field and the transient and steady-state pattern reversal ERG were measured. RESULTS: Using patterns of 1.5 x 1.2 deg there was a good correlation between the change of pre- and post-surgical visual performance and most of the pattern ERG amplitudes. For all variables tested--P50, N95- and steady-state amplitude--there was a critical value beyond which the visual outcome could be bad or favorable, whereas patients showing higher amplitudes always remained stable or improved after surgery. CONCLUSION: The positive correlation between pattern ERG amplitudes and the post-surgical outcome in the case of tumors affecting the optic pathway may be helpful in predicting the outcome for these patients.