The Examination of Visual Evoked Potentials and Ultrasound Evaluation of Orbital Hemodynamics in Acute Unilateral Optic Neuritis – Significance for Clinical Practice

Czech version

Authors: P. Hradílek; F. Vlček; O. Zapletalová; D. Školoudík
Authors‘ workplace: Neurologická klinika FNsP Ostrava-Poruba
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2007; 70/103(1): 78-83
Category: Short Communication

Overview

Unilateral optic neuritis (ON) is a common first manifestation of multiple sclerosis, however, it can occur during the disease course as well. In addition to the evaluation of clinical signs and ophthalmologic examination, visual evoked potentials (VEP) are the main method to support the diagnosis of ON. Further methods could also contribute to the determination of this diagnosis.

Our objective was to compare the results of VEP examination and ultrasound evaluation of orbital hemodynamics in subjects with acute unilateral ON.

A group of 24 consecutive patients with acute unilateral ON had undergone VEP examination and ultrasound evaluation of blood-flow parameters and peripheral resistance in the ophthalmic circulation before the therapy with steroids was initiated.

Pathological VEPs were found in 18 patients on the clinically impaired eye, and pathological parameters of orbital hemodynamics were revealed in 21 patients on the clinically impaired eye.

Due to high prevalence of abnormal findings the ultrasound evaluation of orbital hemodynamics is considered sensitive and helpful for determining the diagnosis of acute unilateral ON, especially in cases with non-conclusive VEP results.

Key words:
optic neuritis, visual evoked potentials, ultrasound, orbital hemodynamics

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