The fundus in mongolism
A. Ahmad and R. C. Pruett
The fundus in 63 eyes of 32 karyotyped patients with mongolism (Down
syndrome) was examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Common features included
a rosy disc associated with a greater than normal number of retinal blood
vessels, a generalized attenuation of fundus pigmentation regardless of
iris coloration, peripapillary and patchy peripheral areas of pigment
epithelial atrophy, and choroidal vascular "sclerosis." These findings are
believed to be suggestive but not pathognomonic of mongolism. Eleven eyes
of six additional patients were found to have retinal detachment. Eight of
these were due to a retinal dialysis and only two could be surgically
reattached. Trauma was thought to be an important predisposing factor.
Several suggestions for prevention and early diagnosis of this complication
are briefly presented.
