[Value of mfVEP test in pituitary tumors diagnosis].

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mfVEP test in detection of the optic nerve neuropathy in pituitary tumors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 30 eyes of 15 patients with confirmed by MRI pituitary tumors (7 patients with macroadenomas and 8 patients with microadenomas). In all patients the routine ophthalmologic examination, multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP) and standard static perimetry (central 24-2 threshold), were performed. The control group consisted of 30 eyes of 15 healthy persons.

RESULTS

In 53% (16/30) of eyes manifested changes in static perimetry and/or in mfVEP test. In 13% (4/30) of eyes abnormal static perimetry and mfVEP were simultaneously observed. The only mfVEP abnormalities were the most frequent feature and were observed in 30% (9/30) of eyes. Only abnormal static perimetry results were observed in 10% (3/10) of eyes. In those eyes in related areas of mfVEP recordings the mean peak-to-peak amplitude was significantly reduced compare to the control group. In mfVEP test statistically significant peak-to-peak amplitude reduction was observed in superotemporal quadrants in comparison to the control group (p < 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

MfVEP can be useful test in the optic nerve dysfunction/ neuropathy diagnosis in patients with pituitary tumors.