Microcephaly-lymphedema-chorioretinal dysplasia associated with pachymicrogyria and atrophy of the cerebellar vermis: an integration of brain-ocular migration disorders.

Background: Microcephaly-lymphedema-chorioretinal dysplasia (OMIM 152950) is a rare malformative inherited disorder that can be associated with other systemic features. Other ocular and brain anomalies rather than microcephaly and chorioretinal dysplasia have been inconstantly reported in this syndrome.

Methods: We present a case of microcephaly-lymphedema-chorioretinal dysplasia with a dysmorphic facies, hypertonicity in the extremities and neuropsychomotor delay. Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral nystagmus, microphthalmia, posterior subcapsular cataratacts, extensive chorioretinal dysplasia, optic nerve aplasia, persistent fetal vasculature, and absent retinal vessels.

Results: Magnetic resonance revealed pachymicrogyria and discrete atrophy of vermis cerebelosum and confirmed optic nerve hypoplasia.

Conclusions: The developmental alterations observed in the retina of this patient could be analogous to central nervous system anomalies, reflecting a reduction in neural population. Ophthalmic examination of children with microcephaly is warranted.