The status and progress of morning glory syndrome

Abstract

Morning glory syndrome (MGS) is a congenital optic disc anomaly. The characteristic ophthalmoscopic findings consist of a generally enlarged, funnel-shaped and excavated optic disc, surrounded by an elevated annulus of chorioretinal pigment disturbance, with a central glial tuft, multiple narrow branches of retina vessels radiating from the disc. There are peripheral non-perfusion retinal areas in most cases. The pathogenesis of MGS remains unclear. MGS might be associated with many ocular and systemic abnormalities, involving facial, central nervous, cerebrovascular and endocrine systems. Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous and retinal detachments (RD) are the most common ocular complications of MGS. The mechanism RD in MGS is unclear. Vitrectomy with long-acting gas or silicone tamponade and photocoagulation around the breaks or the enlarged disc might be efficient for rhegmatogenous RD of MGS. Early diagnosis is crucial for recognition and treatment of the ocular and systemic complications, and maintenance of the visual function. Key words: optic nerve disease/congenital; retinal detachment/treatment; photocoagulation; vitrectomy; association; treatment; review