Histopathology of optic nerve pit-associated maculopathy

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the histopathologic findings of an eye bank specimen containing an optic nerve pit with associated serous elevation of the macula and cavernous atrophy of the optic nerve.

Methods

An eye bank specimen found to have an optic nerve pit with serous elevation of the macula was grossly examined and photographed. The globe was processed for both light and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The scanning electron microscopic study of this eye with an optic nerve pit revealed holes in the diaphanous membrane overlying the nerve at the edge of the optic pit. Serial histopathology sections revealed a connection between the holes overlying the optic pit and the subretinal space via a schisis-like cavity in the retina.

Conclusion

The discovery of an optic nerve pit with coexisting serous detachment of the macula in an eye bank eye and subsequent pathological evaluation provides support for current theories into the mechanism of the visual loss in this condition. Our finding supports syneretic vitreous to be the source of the subretinal fluid.

Keywords:

• optic nerve pit
• light microscopy
• electron microscopy
• retinal detachment

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Torrence Makley, MD for his guidance during several discussions of our histopathologic case.

Disclosure

None of the authors have any financial disclosures or conflicts of interest that pertain to the information presented in this manuscript.