Aplasia of the optic nerve

Hong Kong Med J. 2015 Aug;21(4):366-8. doi: 10.12809/hkmj144287.

Abstract

Aplasia of the optic nerve is an extraordinarily rare congenital anomaly that affects one or both optic nerves and is associated with the absence of the central retinal vessel and retinal ganglion cells. We report a case of unilateral optic nerve aplasia in a 4-month-old infant who was found to have left microphthalmos on routine postnatal checkup. Family history, antenatal history, and systemic evaluation were unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging showed absent left optic nerve with left microphthalmos. The optic chiasm was present and slightly deviated towards the right side. The remaining cerebral and ocular structures were normal.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Optic nerve/abnormalities; Retinal vessels/abnormalities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blindness / congenital*
  • Eye Diseases, Hereditary
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Microphthalmos / pathology*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / congenital*
  • Retinal Diseases / congenital*
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells
  • Retinal Vessels / abnormalities*

Supplementary concepts

  • Retinal Aplasia