Multifocal ERG in ethambutol associated visual loss

Aim: To determine the anatomical site and extent of electrophysiological dysfunction in patients with ethambutol associated visual loss. Methods: A comparative case series. Four patients with ethambutol associated visual loss underwent multifocal electroretinography ( mERG). Two patients had advanced visual loss while two had early signs of toxicity. The N1-P1, N1, P1 amplitudes, N1, and P1 latencies were compared to 10 age and sex matched controls. Results: mERG abnormalities were detected in the ethambutol treated patients. The N1 amplitude was significantly lower in the ethambutol treated patients than in the control group. Conclusion: Ethambutol is possibly toxic to the retina, and not only the optic nerve. The multifocal ERG may be of value to diagnose and monitor patients taking ethambutol.