The first incidence of Septo-Optic dysplasia was reported in 1941 by David Reeves after having examined a 4 month old baby with an optic nerve irregularity i.e. the absence of the septum pellucidum. After this discovery, the disease would then take another thirty years to become properly reconnoitered and linked to pituitary hormone deficiencies by de Morsier and Kaplan et al respectively which are the primary causative factors of the disease. What then, is septo optic dysplasia and why did it take so long for the illness be to investigated? The answer is simple, the disease is as rare as hen’s teeth.
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal development of the optic disk, pituitary deficiencies, and often (absence) of the septum pellucidum (the part of the brain that separates the anterior horns or the lateral ventricles of the brain). The development of the forebrain which occurs at the early stages of embryogenesis, between 4 to 6 weeks of gestation in humans could account for the presentation of SOD/ Morsier’s syndrome. …show more content…
A study conducted in Greater Manchester and Lancashire has identified that, the disease is more prevalent in areas with high unemployment, low income and teenage pregnancy, however the debate is still ongoing about the correlation between maternal age and SOD.