Septo-optic dysplasia in an infant of a diabetic mother.

Septo-optic dysplasia was found at autopsy in an infant of a diabetic mother. Optic nerve hypoplasia and holoprosencephaly have been reported in other patients. These findings suggest a propensity for maternal diabetes to affect development of the forebrain. Head circumference should be measured and funduscopic examination performed in all infants of diabetic mothers, and additional tests should be performed as indicated. Mental and motor retardation and hypothalamopituitary dysfunction may be found in these patients.