Morning glory disc anomaly

The morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA) is a congenital deformity resulting from failure of the optic nerve to completely form in utero.^[1] The term was coined in 1970 by Kindler, noting a resemblance of the malformed optic nerve to the morning glory flower.^[2] The condition is usually unilateral.^[3]

Morning glory disc retinography

Morning glory syndrome optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA)

Presentation

Complications

Serous retinal detachment can occur in the affected eye.^[4]

Associated conditions

Although the finding itself is rare, MGDA can be associated with midline cranial defects and abnormal carotid circulation, such as carotid stenosis/aplasia or progressive vascular obstruction with collateralization (also known as moyamoya disease).^[4] The vascular defects may lead to ischemia, stroke, or seizures and so a finding of MGDA should be further investigated with radiographic imaging.

Diagnosis

Morning glory syndrome optical coherence tomography (OCT)

On fundoscopic examination, there are three principal findings comprising the anomaly:^[5]

1. an enlarged, funnel-shaped excavation in optic disc
2. an annulus or ring of chorioretinal pigmentary changes surrounding the optic disc excavation
3. a central glial tuft overlying the optic disc

See also

• Coloboma of optic nerve