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Peripheral keratitis associated with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Monika A Malecha1, Edward J Holland
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis 38163, USA. mmalecha@mail.eye.utmem.edu
Cornea
|September 28, 2002
Summary
Peripheral keratitis can indicate chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). This case highlights that eye findings may signal leukemia exacerbations, even in diagnosed patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Peripheral keratitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the cornea's outer edge.
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a type of blood cancer affecting white blood cells.
Observation:
- A patient with a known diagnosis of CMML presented with peripheral keratitis during an acute exacerbation of the leukemia.
- This represents the second reported case of peripheral keratitis in a patient with CMML.
Findings:
- The peripheral keratitis in this patient resolved successfully with topical corticosteroid treatment.
- Unlike a previous case where keratitis led to the diagnosis, this patient's keratitis occurred during an active exacerbation of established CMML.
Implications:
- Peripheral keratitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with this eye condition.
- An elevated white blood cell count with an abnormal differential in patients with peripheral keratitis may suggest leukemia or an exacerbation of chronic leukemia.