Multifocal visual evoked potentials in optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis: A review. Issue 7 (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pihl-Jensen, Gorm; Schmidt, Mathias Falck; Frederiksen, Jette Lautrup
• Is Part Of: Clinical neurophysiology. Volume 128:Issue 7(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 1234
• Page End: 1245
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Multifocal visual evoked potentials -- Multiple sclerosis -- Optic neuritis -- Clinical neurophysiology; Neurophysiology -- Periodicals; Electroencephalography -- Periodicals; Electromyography -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.03.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-2457

Abstract

Highlights: Mf-VEP is a new diagnostic and prognostic marker in optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis. Mf-VEP may, in demyelinating disorders, increase sensitivity for peripheral lesions in the visual field. Limited widespread usage is due to lack of standardization and due to increased time consumption. Abstract: Multifocal visual evoked potential (mf-VEP) represents a new approach to the classical full field (ff-)VEP with separate responses from up to 60 sectors of the visual field. A thorough literature survey of the use of mf-VEP in optic neuritis (ON) and multiple sclerosis (MS) is presented (38 published studies were retrieved). Mf-VEP provides direct topographical information of specific lesions and facilitates investigations on structural-functional correlations thus providing new methods for exploring the interplay between demyelination, atrophy and remyelination in MS. Good correlation was shown between mf-VEP and OCT, ff-VEP, MRI (MTR, DTI), 30-2 standard automated perimetry and low-contrast-visual acuity. All but one study showed superior sensitivity and specificity compared to ff-VEP, especially with regards to small, peripheral lesions or lesions of the upper visual field. Mf-VEP has shown superior sensitivity and specificity than established methods in diagnosing optic nerve lesions and tracking functional recovery following lesions. Abnormal mf-VEP responses in the fellow, non-ON afflicted eye may predict MS risk in ON patients. No standardization currently exists and no direct comparisons in ON and MS between at least 5 different commercially available mf-VEP systems have so far been published. Despite these limitations, mf-VEP is a promising new tool of diagnostic and prognostic value of mf-VEP in ON and MS.