Childhood leukaemia: relapse in the anterior segment of the eye

A proved first relapse occurred in the anterior segment of eight children with acute leukaemia, two of whom had concurrent central nervous system or bone marrow relapse. A further child developed uveitis after remission was induced, but in this patient no causal relationship with leukaemia was established. Uveitis in children who have had acute leukaemia should be regarded as evidence of relapse, and anterior chamber aspiration and iris biopsy are essential procedures in their evaluation. The outlook for children with anterior segment relapse remains poor despite intensive local and systemic treatment.