The comparison of vep parameters in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and multiple sclerosis patients with acute optic neuritis

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are idiopathic, autoimmune, and central nervous system inflammatory diseases. The similarity in the clinical course of both diseases creates difficulties in the differential diagnosis. Pattern reversal visual evoked potentials (VEP) are used at this stage. This study aimed to investigate VEP’s role in the differential diagnosis of MS and NMOSD when the patients apply with acute optic neuritis. Method: The data of 15 relapsing-remitting MS patients (RRMS) and 10 NMOSD patients (1 seropositive patient) presenting with blurred vision and who were diagnosed with acute optic neuritis were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, disease, and VEP characteristics of the patients were recorded. Results: According to retrospective data obtained from NMOSD patients, the mean P100 latency was 117.3 ± 12.3, and the mean amplitude was 6.1 ± 3.5. When the VEP characteristics obtained from 15 RRMS patients were evaluated, the P100 latency was 131.7 ± 17.3, and the mean P100 amplitude was 8.0 ± 3.0. P100 latency was significantly prolonged in the RRMS group than the NMOSD group, and amplitude was significantly lower in the NMOSD group than the RRMS group. Discussion: Differentiating NMOSD patients with optic neuritis from MS in the early period is very important for preventing permanent visual damage, initiating appropriate treatment, planning treatment, and predicting prognosis. VEP findings in early-stage acute optic neuritis can be used to differentiate clinically challenging both seropositive and seronegative NMOSD patients from patients with MS. © 2020, Istanbul Universitesi. All rights reserved.