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]
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
On fundoscopic examination, there are three principal findings comprising the anomaly:[5]
an enlarged, funnel-shaped excavation in optic disc
an annulus or ring of chorioretinal pigmentary changes surrounding the optic disc excavation