Clinical application of simultaneous pattern VEP and pattern ERG recording

Abstract

Thirteen eyes of optic neuropathy and 13 eyes of maculopathy during Sep. 1990-May 1992 were studied by simultaneous pattern VEP (PVEP) and pattern ERG (PERG) recording. In optic neuropathy, the P100 of PVEP was delayed in 7 eyes (ave. 108.87 msec; normal 94.41 +/- 3.51 msec), absent in 5 eyes, normal in 1 eye. Their PERG showed normal P50 amplitude (either normal or delayed latency) but small or absent N95 in 8 eyes. In maculopathy, the P100 of PVEP was delayed in 2 eyes (ave. 103.59msec), absent in 7 eyes, normal in 4 eyes. However, their PERG showed 12 eyes had small or absent P50. Combined PVEP & PERG test, when compared to PVEP alone, increased the diagnostic value from 57.1% to 100% for optic neuropathy and from 42.9% to 80% for maculopathy in this study. Thus, simultaneous PVEP & PERG recording is highly recommended in evaluation of anterior visual pathway disorders.