Leukemic retinal infiltrates – Report of an uncommon clinical presentation and review of literature

Abstract

We report a rare case of leukaemic retinal infiltrates in a patient with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in the chronic phase. A 52-year-old male, a known case of CML, presented with a sudden, painless decrease in vision in both eyes of 4 days duration. Fundus examination revealed a normal optic disc and vessels, multiple retinal haemorrhages, and Roth spots along with discrete retinal infiltrates in the macula and mid-periphery in both eyes. Peripheral smear examination revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutrophilic leucocytosis with 1% blast cells, suggestive of CML in the chronic phase. Treatment with oral imatinib resulted in haematological recovery as well as resolution of retinal infiltrates. Leukaemic retinal infiltrates can occur uncommonly in chronic phase of CML, and their recognition as a sign of possible extra-medullary disease is vital. Prompt ophthalmic evaluation and treatment may reduce visual morbidity as well as prevent systemic relapse.