An Illustrative Case Report of Anterior Migration of Optic Disc Drusen in A Child

Author(s): Aoife Naughton, Ammar Miri

Optic disc drusen (ODD) are acellular calcified deposits located both intracellularly and extracellularly within the optic nerve. Their appearance typically change over the first two decades as they migrate anteriorly towards the optic nerve head, from an initial buried location. They can pose a diagnostic challenge as can simulate the appearance of optic disc swelling. Distinguishing ODD from true optic disc swelling is of paramount importance to avoid delayed diagnosis of potentially life threatening neurologic disease and on the other hand prevent invasive and unnecessary work-up for elevated intracranial pressure, if not clinically indicated. A number of imaging modalities are available to assist in the diagnosis and are discussed below.