Cyclopia with complete separation of the neural and mesodermal elements of the eye; report of a case.

Abstract

No STATEMENT regarding the incidence of cyclopia can be found in the literature despite the report of many cases over a long period of time. The specimen described in this paper represents the second case recorded at Charity Hospital, New Orleans, among 78,772 births during the period from 1938 through 1949. The purpose of this paper is to present an anatomic study of a case of cyclopia showing fairly normal development of the orbit and sclera, though these structures were separated from the neural elements of the eye. These features have not previously been recorded in the literature. HISTORICAL REVIEW The literature dealing with cyclopia is extensive and will not be surveyed in detail. The principal theories regarding this anomaly may be summarized as follows: Fusion of two originally separate eyes due to arrest or retardation of growth (Meckel,1 1826). Persistence of a single vesicle (Huschke,2 1832.). Arrest of development