Study: Multifocal electroretinogram predictive of retinal damage, visual recovery

Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(11):1507-1512.

Multifocal electroretinogram used to compare localized retinal function with corresponding histopathologic findings in advanced retinoblastoma was predictive of retinal damage and visual recovery.

In a retrospective review of medical records of seven children (eight eyes) with Reese-Ellsworth stage 5 retinoblastoma, the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) amplitude was extinguished, moderately reduced or mildly reduced in severe, moderate or minimal atrophy, respectively, of the outer retinal layers.

The mfERG was done while the patients underwent fundus imaging. After enucleation of these eyes, retinal layers in a 10-mm-long section centered on the optic nerve were scored for histopathology. When the retina was attached at presentation or was detached at presentation but was reattached after chemotherapy, the presence of a recordable mfERG was associated with potential for limited vision. No recordable mfERG was indicative of severe retinal damage that could preclude visual recovery.

"Severe reduction or extinction of the mfERG response suggests that the retina is replaced by tumor or is severely atrophic and that the severity of retinal abnormalities may preclude recovery of vision," the study authors said.