Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Multifocal Electroretinograms
Published on: December 4, 2011
Diagnostic ability of multifocal electroretinogram in early multiple sclerosis using a new signal analysis method
L Boquete1,2, E López-Guillén1, E Vilades2,3,4
1Biomedical Engineering Group, Electronics Department, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
Purpose:
To determine if a novel analysis method will increase the diagnostic value of the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) in diagnosing early-stage multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
We studied the mfERG signals of OD (Oculus Dexter) eyes of fifteen patients diagnosed with early-stage MS (in all cases < 12 months) and without a history of optic neuritis (ON) (F:M = 11:4), and those of six controls (F:M = 3:3). We obtained values of amplitude and latency of N1 and P1 waves, and a method to assess normalized root-mean-square error (FNRMSE) between model signals and mfERG recordings was used. Responses of each eye were analysed at a global level, and by rings, quadrants and hemispheres. AUC (area under the ROC curve) is used as discriminant factor.
Results:
The standard method of analysis obtains further discrimination between controls and MS in ring R3 (AUC = 0.82), analysing N1 waves amplitudes. In all of the retina analysis regions, FNRMSE value shows a greater discriminating power than the standard method. The highest AUC value (AUC = 0.91) was in the superior temporal quadrant.
Conclusion:
By analysing mfERG recordings and contrasting them with those of healthy controls it is possible to detect early-stage MS in patients without a previous history of ON.
Insights
A new multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) analysis method improves early multiple sclerosis (MS) detection. This novel approach, using normalized root-mean-square error (FNRMSE), shows higher diagnostic accuracy than standard methods in identifying MS without optic neuritis history.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be challenging in early stages, particularly without optic neuritis (ON).
- Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) is a tool used to assess retinal function.
- Standard mfERG analysis may have limitations in detecting subtle changes indicative of early MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel analysis method for mfERG signals.
- To determine if this new method enhances diagnostic value for early-stage MS.
- To assess the efficacy in patients without a history of ON.
Main Methods:
- mfERG signals from 15 early-stage MS patients (no prior ON) and 6 controls were analyzed.
- Amplitude and latency of N1 and P1 waves were measured.
- A normalized root-mean-square error (FNRMSE) method was employed for signal analysis, with area under the ROC curve (AUC) as the discriminant factor.
Main Results:
- Standard analysis of N1 wave amplitudes in ring R3 achieved an AUC of 0.82.
- The FNRMSE method demonstrated superior discrimination across all retinal analysis regions compared to the standard method.
- The highest AUC of 0.91 was achieved in the superior temporal quadrant using the FNRMSE method.
Conclusions:
- The novel FNRMSE analysis of mfERG recordings can effectively detect early-stage MS.
- This method provides enhanced diagnostic value, especially in patients lacking a history of ON.
- mfERG analysis, particularly with advanced methods, is a valuable tool for early MS detection.
