Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
14:58

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Published on: October 20, 2017

Intracranial vascular anomalies in patients with morning glory disk anomaly

Phoebe D Lenhart1, Scott R Lambert, Nancy J Newman

  • 1Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 3, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients with Morning Glory Disk Anomaly (MGDA) have a high frequency of cerebrovascular anomalies, including Moyamoya disease. Early detection via neuroimaging is recommended to identify these serious vascular and structural brain abnormalities.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Morning Glory Disk Anomaly (MGDA) is a congenital optic disc abnormality.
  • A known association exists between MGDA and intracranial vascular anomalies, such as Moyamoya disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of cerebrovascular anomalies in patients diagnosed with MGDA.
  • To compare the prevalence of intracranial vascular anomalies in MGDA patients versus a control group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational case series involving 20 patients with MGDA.
  • Neurologic histories and neuroimaging (MRI/MRA) were reviewed.
  • Comparison with 40 pediatric control patients without MGDA.

Main Results:

  • 45% of MGDA patients (9 of 20) exhibited cerebrovascular anomalies.
  • Anomalies included anterior cerebral artery agenesis and internal carotid artery stenosis with Moyamoya disease.
  • The control group showed a lower prevalence of anterior circulation abnormalities (5% vs. 45% in MGDA).

Conclusions:

  • Recommend MRI/MRA or CT angiography for all MGDA patients to screen for vascular and structural brain anomalies.
  • The etiology of these anomalies (congenital vs. progressive) requires further investigation.
  • Follow-up imaging is advised for MGDA patients with cerebrovascular anomalies, especially if neurological symptoms arise.

More Related Videos

Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms11:58

Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

Published on: August 11, 2015

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances10:35

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances

Published on: July 5, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
Veins of Head and Neck01:19

Veins of Head and Neck

The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...