Multi-modal visual evoked potentials in a case of POEMS syndrome

Abstract

Electrophysiological studies of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in a case of POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopa-thy, M-protein, and skin changes) syndrome were performed. The subject, a 58-year-old male, had bilateral optic disc swelling. Arden's score showed sensitivity losses at high spatial frequencies. In the short and middle latency VEPs elicited by flash and pattern reversal stimulation, the peak latencies of the major components of the short latency VEPs were within normal range, but those of the middle latency VEPs were delayed. Based on these results, the visual conduction process was normal in this case, but there might be some abnormalities in the cortical processing of the visual integration mechanism.

Key Words:

• POEMS syndrome
• short latency VEPs
• middle latency VEPs
• optic disc swelling
• visual cortex