Thursday, December 15, 2011

Myelenated Nerve Fibers

The finding shown in the previous post represents myelenated nerve fibers (MNF). This is a congenital anomaly that is commonly confused with cotton wool spots (CWS), though does not represent any acute pathology. Usually, MNF are continuous with the optic disc. The key visual clue is the feathery appearance, especially around the margins. Often MNF are asymptomatic (as in this patient), and observation is the only course of action. If the lesion is large enough, or extending into the macula, some degree of scotoma may be present.

Further reading:
http://dro.hs.columbia.edu/myelfibers.htm
http://www.nature.com/eye/journal/v17/n1/full/6700266a.html

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