Infiltration of Bilateral Optic Nerves in Burkitt Lymphoma: A Case Report

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is one of the highly aggressive non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. The optic nerve can be affected in case of isolated lymphoma or together with the central nervous system (CNS) and systemic lymphoma. We report a rare case of involvement of bilateral optic nerves in BL. A 31-year-old lady who was diagnosed with BL presented with severe intermittent headache and vomiting with blurring of vision in both eyes for one week. Visual acuity on presentation was 6/9 in the right eye and 6/24 in the left eye, with a reduction of the left eye optic nerve functions. Fundoscopy showed swollen optic disc in the right eye and temporal pallor disc in the left. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbit showed increased leptomeningeal enhancement in the right frontal and temporal lobes and the right optic nerve. Lumbar puncture revealed high opening pressure (50 cmH₂O). Pleocytosis and the presence of lymphomatous infiltration were noted in cerebrospinal fluid analysis. After the completion of four cycles of chemotherapy, her condition unfortunately deteriorated, and she was subsequently planned for palliative therapy. CNS-directed therapies should be considered given the high risk of CNS relapse.