Chronic myeloid leukemia presenting with bilateral central retinal vein occlusion and massive retinal infiltrates

Visual impairment as the initial symptom of leukemia, especially chronic myeloid leukemia, is rare, occurring in approximately 3% of all leukemias in children. We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with vision loss attributable to bilateral central retinal vein occlusion and massive retinal infiltrates. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated the BCR-ABL translocation, and the patient was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. A major cytogenetic remission was achieved 6 months after initiation of therapy.