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Morning Glory Syndrome associated with Persistent Foetal Vasculature in a 9-year-old Nigerian Male: A Case Report
Category: Case Reports
Published: October 2026
Issue: Vol. 4, Issue 2
Pages: 280 - 286
Authors
Eberechukwu .O Achigbu
Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri
ebyachigbu1@gmail.com
Adesuwa Oviawele
Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
ad_suwy@yahoo.com
Adaku Mbatuegwu
Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
adambategwu@gmail.com
Abstract

Introduction
Morning glory syndrome (MGS) is a rare congenital optic nerve malformation characterized by a funnel-shaped excavation of the optic disc with radial vasculature and central glial tufting. It may occur in isolation or in association with other ocular anomalies, including persistent foetal vasculature (PFV).
Case Report
We present a 9-year-old Nigerian male with a 3-year history of esotropia and loss of vision in the right eye. Examination revealed characteristic features of MGS including an enlarged, excavated optic disc with central glial tuft, radial vessels, and peripapillary pigmentation. Patient also had a posterior foetal vasculature and evidence of retinal nerve fibre layer thinning and ganglion cell layer reduction on optical coherence tomography.
Conclusion
This case highlights the rare coexistence of MGS and PFV in a Nigerian child. Early recognition and detailed imaging is essential for monitoring complications such as retinal detachment and optimizing visual outcomes.

Keywords:
Morning glory syndrome, Morning glory disc anomaly, Persistent Foetal Vasculature, visual impairment, Nigerian Child
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How to Cite This Article
Eberechukwu .O Achigbu, Adesuwa Oviawele, Adaku Mbatuegwu. (October 2026). Morning Glory Syndrome associated with Persistent Foetal Vasculature in a 9-year-old Nigerian Male: A Case Report. Eastern Heartland Journal of Medicine, Volume 4, Issue 2, pp. 280-286.
Article Information

Submitted: May 26, 2026

Published: October 17, 2026

Pages: 280 - 286

Journal: Eastern Heartland Journal of Medicine

Publisher: Federal Teaching Hospital Owerri, Nigeria

ISSN: 2734-2875 (Print)