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Abstract #8584 Published in IGR 5-1
Visual evoked potentials in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy complicated by ocular hypertension and suspect glaucoma or dysthyroid optic neuropathy
Ambrosio G; Ferrara G; Vitale R; De Marco RDocumenta Ophthalmologica 2003; 106: 99-104
The study compared visual evoked potentials of patients with uncomplicated Graves' ophthalmopathy, patients with ophthalmopathy and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or suspect glaucoma, and patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical potential for visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in the differential diagnosis between the groups. VEPs were obtained in 43 subjects with endocrine ophthalmopathy. Group 1 included patients with uncomplicated ophthalmopathy (30 eyes); Group 2 patients with ophthalmopathy, IOP ≥23 mmHg with and without early visual field defects, and no evidence of apical crowding on coronal computed tomography scan (28 eyes); and Group 3 patients with DON (28 eyes). Amplitude and latency of major component of pattern VEP were obtained at three visual angles (60', 30', 15'). Data from each group were compared with data from age-matched normal subjects. Disturbances in VEPs were mainly found in patients from Groups 2 and 3. The control group had normal VEPs. Regarding the differential diagnosis between Groups 2 and 3, the most important parameter was the N75-P100 amplitude for 15' of pattern stimulation. Only for this visual angle did Groups 2 and 3 not overlap N75-P100 amplitude. This study shows that VEPs detect visual function abnormalities noninvasively in patients with complicated Graves' ophthalmopathy. The results also indicate the clinical potential for VEPs in the differential diagnosis between patients suffering from ophthalmopathy complicated by ocular hypertension or suspect glaucoma and patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy.
Dr. G. Ambrosio, Department of Ophthalmic Science, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples - Federico II, Naples, Italy
Classification:
6.7 Electro-ophthalmodiagnosis (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods)
9.4.15 Glaucoma in relation to systemic disease (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders)
