Correlation between multifocal pattern electroretinography and Fourier-domain OCT in eyes with temporal hemianopia from chiasmal compression

To evaluate the correlation between multifocal pattern electroretinography (mfPERG) and Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) with regard to macular and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in eyes with temporal hemianopia from chiasmal compression.

Twenty-five eyes from 25 patients with permanent temporal visual field defects from chiasmal compression and 25 healthy eyes were submitted to mfPERG using a stimulus pattern of 19 rectangles, standard automated perimetry and FD-OCT measurements. The mfPERG response was determined for groups of three rectangles for the nasal and temporal hemifields and for each quadrant. Macular thickness measurements were registered according to an overlaid OCT-generated checkerboard with 36 checks and averaged for the central area, and for each scanned quadrant and hemifield. RNFL thickness was determined for all twelve 30-degree segments around the disc, and averaged for the segments corresponding to the 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 o’clock position. Correlations were verified with Pearson’s correlation coefficients and linear regression analysis.

Both mfPERG amplitudes and OCT measurements were significantly smaller in eyes with temporal visual field defects than in normals. A significant and strong correlation was found between most mfPERG and macular or RNFL thickness OCT parameters.

mfPERG amplitudes and OCT measurements are significantly correlated in patients with chiasmal compression. Both technologies can quantify neuronal loss and, if used in combination, may help clarify structure–function relationships in this patient population.