CT of septo-optic dysplasia

Abstract

Two girls, aged 7 1/2 and 12 years, clinically suspect for septo-optic dysplasia, were investigated by computed tomography (CT). The clinical picture in both cases associated blindness with hypoplasia of both optic discs, and short stature with growth hormone deficiency. Diabetes insipidus was also present in one case. CT demonstrated agenesis of the septum pellucidum and thin optic nerves. In the case with diabetes insipidus the pituitary stalk was enlarged. It is shown that CT accurately delinerates the altered anatomy of septo-optic dysplasia. CT is recommended rather than pneumoencephalography as the definitive neuroradiologic investigation of these patients.