Bilateral congenital anophthalmia and hydrocephalus in Calabar, Nigeria: A case report

Abstract

Congenital anophthalmia is a rare deformity with a complex aetiology. It can co-exist with disorders of central nervous system. The aim of this report is to present the socio-demographic, clinical data and management challenges of an abandoned HIV-exposed neonate with bilateral congenital anophthalmia and hydrocephalus, in Calabar, Nigeria. A 6-day-old female term neonate presented to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit of a tertiary hospital in Calabar, Nigeria, with a history of inability of mother to see the baby’s eyeballs since birth. There was no family history of a similar eye defect, consanguinity, or other associated histories. Ophthalmic examination findings included: mucopurulent discharge, shortened eyelids and palpebral fissure and absent eyeballs. A Transfontanelle ultrasound scan of the large head showed an obstructive hydrocephalus. Mother abandoned the baby in the hospital. Management of bilateral congenital anophthalmia is multidisciplinary. There may be an association with HIV infection. Abandonment of malformed babies is of psychosocial importance.