Associated Conditions & Findings

Morning glory disc anomaly

Morning glory disc anomaly is a malformation of the optic disc at the back of the eye, sometimes linked to basal encephaloceles.

In short: Morning glory disc anomaly

  • It can be associated with transsphenoidal (basal) encephaloceles.
  • Finding it may prompt evaluation for a basal encephalocele.
  • It affects the optic disc at the back of the eye.
  • It is identified by eye specialists.

What it is

It is a malformation of the optic disc (where the optic nerve meets the eye), named for its resemblance to the morning glory flower. It is identified during an eye examination.

Understanding Morning glory disc anomaly

It can be associated with basal encephaloceles, particularly transsphenoidal types, so finding this eye anomaly may prompt imaging to check for a basal encephalocele. This connection works in both directions: identifying one can lead to evaluation for the other, which is why eye and skull-base findings are considered together.

Why it matters

Understanding this link helps families see why an eye finding can prompt brain and skull-base imaging, and why eye and neurological assessments are connected in basal encephaloceles.

Common questions

What is morning glory disc anomaly?

A malformation of the optic disc at the back of the eye.

What is it linked to?

Basal (transsphenoidal) encephaloceles.

Why does finding it matter?

It may prompt evaluation for a basal encephalocele.

Bottom line

Morning glory disc anomaly is an optic disc malformation that can signal a basal encephalocele.

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