Orbital MRI versus fundus photography in the diagnosis of optic nerve hypoplasia and prediction of vision.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), the visualisation of the optic disc can be challenging and the definitive diagnosis difficult to ascertain without fundus photography. The use of MRI for diagnosis has been reported as a diagnostic alternative with conflicting results. We retrospectively analysed a disease registry to determine the reliability of orbital MRI measurements of the optic nerve diameter to diagnose ONH, and the correlation with vision outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a cohort of 140 patients with ONH (13% unilateral) that had reached age 5 years, we identified 43 subjects who had orbital MRI in addition to fundus photography performed prior to 2 years of age. We compared measurements of the optic nerve diameter from orbital MRI scans to the standard relative optic disc size (disc diameter/disc-macula (DD/DM) distance) by fundus photography. All patients had visual acuity tested at age 5 years. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation of orbital MRI measurements and fundus photography with the diagnosis of ONH, and with vision outcomes. RESULTS: Relative disc size (DD/DM)<0.35 showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the diagnostic confirmation of ONH. The optic nerve diameter measurements by orbital MRI displayed a moderate correlation (rs=0.471; p<0.001) with DD/DM and moderate sensitivity for the diagnosis of ONH. Final visual acuity correlated well with DD/DM measurements by fundus photography (rs=-0.869; p<0.001) and moderately with optic nerve diameter by orbital MRI (rs=-0.635; p<0.001). DISCUSSION: Orbital optic nerve diameter from MRI scans has moderate reliability in diagnosing ONH and predicting vision outcomes. Fundus photography for measurements of the optic nerve size should remain the reference for diagnostic confirmation of ONH. These data further support the prognostic value of fundus photography for eventual vision outcomes in this population.