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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
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Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 3

Category: Ultrasound/Imaging

Poster Session 3

(838) A retrospective review of fetal imaging findings in confirmed or suspected septo-optic dysplasia

Thursday, February 12, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM  
Objective:
Prenatal ultrasound is limited as a screening tool for Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD). We predict that prenatal screening ultrasounds have a low sensitivity in detecting SOD. Our objectives will be to evaluate the prevalence of an abnormal cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) and other sonographic findings on prenatal imaging in cases of postnatally diagnosed SOD.

Study Design:
A retrospective chart review identified 30 patients born between 2016-2025 who have either confirmed or suspected SOD and whose mothers have accessible prenatal imaging. Fetal ultrasounds and MRI scans from maternal charts, and neonatology, endocrinology, neurology, and ophthalmology records in the corresponding pediatric charts were evaluated.

Results:
Of 30 cases, 13 have clinically confirmed neonatal SOD and 17 have suspected neonatal SOD. Of the 13 confirmed cases, 7 (54%) were suspected to have SOD prenatally based on having an absent/partially absent CSP on fetal ultrasound and/or MRI. Two of those 7 cases had an absent CSP on fetal ultrasound but subsequently had a normal CSP on fetal MRI. The CSP was read as normal on fetal ultrasound for the other 6 (46%) patients. In 6 of the 8 cases with normal CSP readings on fetal ultrasound or MRI, the CSP on postnatal MRI was ultimately read as absent or partially absent. In the other 2 cases, SOD was clinically diagnosed via optic nerve hypoplasia and an empty sella turcica/pituitary abnormalities in one, and via alternate midline structure abnormalities and optic nerve hypoplasia in the other.

Conclusion:
The postnatal diagnosis of SOD remains difficult to predict prenatally. In 46% of our cases, the CSP had been read as normal prenatally, but was subsequently found to be abnormal on postnatal imaging. In 2 cases, fetal MRI incorrectly read the CSP as present when it had previously been correctly identified as being absent on fetal ultrasound. This highlights the importance of re-evaluating the CSP across multiple images and imaging modalities, as a single prenatal reading of a normal CSP does not necessarily rule out SOD.