Untersuchungsmethoden

Visual evoked potentials elicited by reversing grating patterns were recorded in 35 patients with Parkinson's disease and in 26 controls. The average latency of evoked potentials in patients with Parkinson's disease exceeded by two standard deviations the average of the age-matched control group of other neurological patients. Over two-thirds of all patients with Parkinson's disease had abnormal latency. In these patients latency did not correlate with age. In 5 patients the latency became less prolonged on levodopa therapy, suggesting that catecholaminergic pathways have either indirect or direct effects on the generation of visual evoked potentials. Extrapyramidal connections of the visual cortex, as well as retinal dopaminergic neurons, require further study in Parkinson's disease. Show more

In a 12-month period 26 eyes were enucleated after an ultrasonographic diagnosis was made of malignant melanoma of the choroid. Histologic features of the tumors were reviewed. The ultrasonographic diagnosis was correct in 100% (26/26) of enucleated eyes. Spontaneous vascular movement (SVM) was identified by standardized A-scan echography in 69% (18/26) of the tumors. Contact B-scan ultrasonography demonstrated choroidal excavation in 65% (17/26) of the melanomas. During the 12-month study period, choroidal excavation was also demonstrated in cases of metastatic choroidal tumors, hemangiomas of the choroid, and long-standing choroidal nevi. The standardized A-scan finding of SVM is a compelling sign in the diagnosis of choroidal malignant melanoma. In contrast, the B-scan finding of choroidal excavation is a less useful sign since it may also be seen in various other ocular lesions. Show more