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Bilateral Morning Glory Syndrome with Bilateral Persistent Fetal Vasculature in a Patient with Joubert's Syndrome
Ahmad Bilal Araissi1, Alaa Fayed1, Youssef Helmy1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
Insights
This case report details a rare association of bilateral persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and morning glory syndrome (MGS) in a child with Joubert syndrome, highlighting previously undescribed optic nerve abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and morning glory syndrome (MGS) are congenital ocular anomalies.
- Joubert syndrome is a rare genetic disorder affecting brain development, particularly the cerebellum.
Observation:
- A 1-year-old girl presented with bilateral ptosis, poor fixation, cerebellar anomaly, and developmental delay.
- Ophthalmologic examination revealed bilateral MGS and PFV with dysplastic optic discs and fibrovascular tissue.
- Brain imaging showed the characteristic "molar tooth appearance" of Joubert syndrome.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of co-occurring bilateral MGS, bilateral PFV, and Joubert syndrome.
- The case documents associated optic nerve disease in Joubert syndrome, not previously described.
- These optic nerve anomalies contribute to visual impairment in affected individuals.
Implications:
- This finding expands the understanding of the phenotypic spectrum of Joubert syndrome.
- It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation in children with Joubert syndrome.
- Recognizing these optic nerve findings can aid in managing visual deficits in this population.
Abstract:
Purpose. We report a case of a 1-year-old girl who was referred to us with a cerebellar anomaly and delayed growth and development for bilateral ptosis and poor fixation. Based on our ophthalmologic examination, we concluded that she has bilateral persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) with morning glory syndrome (MGS). A closer look into her neurologic condition revealed that she has Joubert's syndrome. Observations. External examination revealed bilateral symmetrical ptosis with syndromic facies and her fundus examination revealed a large dysplastic optic disc with anomalous radiating vessels and a fibrous tissue tuft originating from the disc. The left eye showed similar findings in addition to a central excavation and a fibrovascular stalk extending from the optic disc. These findings were consistent with bilateral MGS and bilateral PFV. The brain imaging included a computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging, both of which revealed a "molar tooth appearance" of the midbrain and an anomalous cerebellum suggestive of Joubert's syndrome. Conclusions and Importance. This is the first case report of a case of bilateral MGS and bilateral PFV associated with Joubert's syndrome. This case report documents the associated optic nerve disease in these patients, not previously described, which are additive causes of visual compromise in addition to the brain insult.
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