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Multifocal Electroretinograms
Published on: December 4, 2011
Electrophysiologic findings in chloroquine maculopathy
Regina Halfeld Furtado de Mendonça1, Otacílio Oliveira Maia, Walter Yukihiko Takahashi
1Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Service, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. halfeld@libero.it
Documenta Ophthalmologica. Advances in Ophthalmology
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Chloroquine retinopathy can cause bull's-eye maculopathy. Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) detects visual field defects, unlike the electro-oculogram, aiding in monitoring patients on chloroquine therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Chloroquine is widely used for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Long-term chloroquine use can lead to retinopathy, specifically bull's-eye maculopathy.
- Early detection of chloroquine retinopathy is crucial for preventing vision loss.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old male patient with rheumatoid arthritis developed typical chloroquine-induced bull's-eye maculopathy after taking 250 mg daily for an extended period.
- Standard electro-oculogram (EOG) results were normal.
- Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) revealed reduced focal responses in areas correlating with visual field defects.
Findings:
- The electro-oculogram (EOG) was insensitive to detecting chloroquine maculopathy.
- Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) findings were congruent with visual field defects, indicating its utility in assessing chloroquine retinopathy.
- Reduced mfERG responses suggest potential retinal dysfunction in affected areas.
Implications:
- Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) serves as a valuable tool for ophthalmological screening and follow-up in patients using chloroquine.
- Electro-oculogram (EOG) may not be a sensitive indicator for early chloroquine maculopathy.
- Further research is warranted to differentiate between chloroquine-induced visual field defects and those related to rheumatoid arthritis progression.
