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Retinal arterial macroaneurysm in leukemia
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Health Sciences Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 8, 2021
Summary
Retinal arterial macroaneurysms (RAM) are rare in children. This case highlights the importance of ophthalmic exams in leukemia patients, showing RAM regression with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) is an acquired vascular dilatation typically found at arterial bifurcations or crossings.
- RAM commonly affects the initial branches of the central retinal artery.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with symptoms of leukemia, including weakness, headache, and bruising.
- Physical examination revealed hepatomegaly and ecchymosis. Blood tests showed anemia, elevated white blood cells with 70% blasts, and thrombocytopenia.
- Bone marrow aspiration confirmed pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Ophthalmic examination revealed two macroaneurysms in the left eye's inferior arcuate artery.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and treated accordingly.
- During follow-up examinations, significant regression of the retinal macroaneurysms and associated hemorrhages was observed.
Implications:
- The occurrence of RAM in a pediatric leukemia patient is noteworthy due to its rarity.
- This case underscores the critical need for comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations in leukemia patients to detect and monitor ocular manifestations.
