What are the key radiological and clinical features of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and how is it diagnosed?

Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a congenital disorder characterized by optic nerve hypoplasia, absence or hypoplasia of the septum pellucidum, and often pituitary gland abnormalities. Radiologically, it presents with a squared-off appearance of the frontal horns on MRI. Clinically, patients may exhibit visual impairment, hormonal deficiencies, and developmental delays. A common pitfall is confusing SOD with holoprosencephaly, which also involves midline brain abnormalities but has distinct facial anomalies.