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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with oculomotor nerve palsy
Oğuzhan Oz1, Hakan Akgün, Bilal Battal
1Department of Neurology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara. oz_oguzhan@yahoo.com
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|February 29, 2012
Summary
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can rarely present with isolated oculomotor nerve palsy, causing symptoms like ptosis and double vision. This case highlights the importance of considering ALL in patients with unexplained cranial nerve palsies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematologic malignancy with diverse clinical presentations.
- Cranial nerve palsies are uncommon initial manifestations of leukemia.
- Oculomotor nerve palsy, specifically, is a rare presenting sign of ALL.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old male presented with isolated left ptosis and diplopia.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed lymphoblastic infiltration of the cavernous sinuses.
- Laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) presenting with isolated oculomotor nerve palsy.
- The clinical presentation mimicked other neurological conditions, delaying the diagnosis of leukemia.
Implications:
- Clinicians should include acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with isolated oculomotor nerve palsy.
- Early recognition of this rare presentation can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment of ALL.
- This finding expands the spectrum of neurological presentations associated with hematologic malignancies.
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