Iris and orbital myeloid sarcoma in a pediatric patient

Vivian L Qin1, Lana Verkuil2, Tatiana Zanganeh3

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Insights

A previously healthy child presented with an orbital and iris mass, which were the first signs of acute myeloid leukemia. This case highlights unusual initial presentations of childhood leukemia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare but aggressive cancer affecting blood and bone marrow.
  • Orbital and ocular manifestations of AML can occur but are uncommon presenting signs.

Observation:

  • A 35-month-old previously healthy girl developed an enlarging orbital mass and a contralateral iris mass over several months.
  • These ocular findings were the initial clinical manifestations prompting medical evaluation.

Findings:

  • The orbital and iris masses were diagnosed as initial signs of acute myeloid leukemia.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering hematologic malignancies in the differential diagnosis of pediatric orbital and ocular masses.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of unusual presenting signs of AML can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Ophthalmologists and pediatricians should be aware of the potential for ocular and orbital masses to be the first indication of leukemia in children.