Clinical display of mfERG data

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) displays often present inaccurate signal representations due to non-uniform scaling and lack of clear retinal localization.
• Traditional mfERG printouts can be misleading, using 3-D plots and variable ring response densities that hinder clinical interpretation and literature communication.

Observation:

• The Stanford Display modifies the mfERG scaling factor to achieve near-equal signal amplitudes across the entire trace array.
• Responses are presented in a spatially scaled array with a retinal view, ensuring signals are displayed in their correct anatomical positions relative to fundus images.

Findings:

• The revised mfERG display facilitates easier analysis of retinal diseases by clearly localizing areas of signal loss.
• Ring ratios, normalized to a standard value of 1.0, simplify response amplitude analysis.
• A case study of early hydroxychloroquine retinopathy effectively demonstrates the utility of the Stanford Display.

Implications:

• Adopting standardized mfERG recording and display options, such as proper scaling and retinal/field views, can enhance diagnostic value.
• Improved mfERG analysis aids in the precise localization of retinal disease and simplifies interpretation of ring response data.
• This approach can improve communication and consistency in mfERG research and clinical practice.