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Updated: May 13, 2026

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Optic Nerve Sheath Point of Care Ultrasound: Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2023
[Enlarged optic nerve head excavation in children]
Daphna Mezad-Koursh1, Igal Leibovitch, Anat Loewenstein
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Harefuah
|March 22, 2013
Summary
Enlarged optic disc excavation (EODE) in children is often physiologic cupping. Further investigation is unnecessary if no other concerning signs are present.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Context:
- Enlarged optic disc excavation (EODE) can be a concerning finding in pediatric patients.
- Distinguishing physiologic cupping from pathological causes is crucial for appropriate management.
- This study reviews clinical parameters associated with EODE in children.
Purpose:
- To present a series of children diagnosed with enlarged optic disc excavation (EODE).
- To establish clinical parameters that warrant further investigational workup for EODE.
- To evaluate the diagnostic yield of neuroimaging in pediatric EODE cases.
Summary:
- A retrospective review included 12 children with EODE, showing an average cup-to-disc ratio of 0.75.
- Indications for neuroimaging included prematurity, congenital syndromes, and visual field defects.
- Physiologic cupping was diagnosed in 92% of cases; periventricular leucomalacia was found in one case.
Impact:
- Identifies that incidental EODE without significant medical history or abnormal neuro-ophthalmologic exam is likely physiologic.
- Suggests that further workup may not be required in select pediatric cases of EODE.
- Aims to reduce unnecessary investigations and associated healthcare costs.
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