Function and morphology in macular retinoschisis associated with optic disc pit in a child before and after its spontaneous resolution

Abstract

Optic disc pit (ODP) is a rare congenital defect within the optic nerve head. Macula elevation associated with ODP develops in 75–93% of the adult patients. Macular involvement in children with optic disc pit is rare, and only a few cases have been published to date. In the present case, we have observed morphology and function of the central retina in a child with ODP-associated macular detachment and following its spontaneous resolution. An 8-year-old white boy diagnosed with a macular detachment in an eye with an ODP. Optical coherent tomography (OCT) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG), as well as visual acuity and visual field, were performed in the follow-up of the unilateral schisis—like retinal detachment. A large retinoschisis associated with ODP in a child showed a tendency to spontaneously resolve at 3 months, which was confirmed on OCT. At this time, an mfERG revealed markedly reduced responses. Despite morphologic reattachment at follow-up and improvement in visual acuity, increased mfERG responses were still not the same as in the fellow healthy eye. In contrast to the OCT which is very helpful to assess the extent of the neurosensory detachment, the mfERG offers an additional tool for follow-up of retinal function in this disorder. The good visual outcome in our patient shows that in the presence of residual retinal function on mfERG and in the absence of further lesions on OCT, follow-up is a valid option in children with an ODP-associated macular detachment.