Related Experiment Videos
Abnormalities of visual evoked responses in hyperprolactinaemia
P T Yeo1, S Kamaldeen, D Walker
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Royal Hobart Hospital, Tas.
Clinical and Experimental Neurology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Visual evoked response (VER) waveform distortion is an early indicator of pituitary tumors, even before suprasellar extension is evident on CT scans. This finding aids in early diagnosis of chiasmal lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
Background:
- The relationship between visual evoked response (VER) and chiasmal lesions is not fully understood.
- Previous studies suggest waveform distortions are the primary abnormality in VER with chiasmal lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic utility of VER in patients with pituitary tumors.
- To correlate VER abnormalities with the presence and extent of suprasellar involvement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 patients (10 female, 2 male) with pituitary tumors.
- Evaluation of full-field and half-field VERs using pattern reversal stimuli.
- Correlation of VER findings (latency, waveform) with CT scan results.
Main Results:
- Three patients had minimal suprasellar involvement on CT; 2 showed prolonged latency and waveform distortions on VER.
- Nine patients had no suprasellar involvement; 4 showed VER waveform distortions with normal latencies.
- Waveform distortion was observed in VER even without suprasellar extension.
Conclusions:
- VER waveform distortion is an early sign of pituitary tumors.
- VER abnormalities can be detected prior to significant suprasellar extension.
- VER is a valuable tool for detecting early-stage chiasmal compromise due to pituitary tumors.