A CASE OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of granulocytes, caused the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. While ocular manifestations of CML are rare, the presentations can range from asymptomatic to sudden vision loss. Chronic myeloid leukemia-associated ocular findings that have been reported include retinal hemorrhages, leukemic infiltrates, and optic disc edema, but a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the setting of CML has not been described.

This was a case report.

A 21-year-old man presented with intermittent vision loss in his right eye, tinnitus in the right ear, and abdominal distension. Workup revealed significant leukocytosis, splenomegaly, and a positive BCR-ABL1 mutation. He was diagnosed with CML and started on systemic therapy. Examination of the right eye revealed a large intraocular mass. After 2 weeks of systemic treatment, the large elevation in the right eye had improved, allowing visualization of diffuse subretinal whitening. At follow-up, a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment secondary to an atrophic hole in an area of prior subretinal infiltrates was noted. He underwent repair with a scleral buckle. Postoperative course was complicated by redetachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy, which led to an unrepairable detachment, despite multiple surgeries with silicone oil tamponade.

Ocular findings related to CML are rare, with the lowest incidence when compared with other leukemias, and are associated with worse outcomes. Posterior segment findings include intraretinal hemorrhages, Roth spots, and retinal infiltrates. This unique case describes a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in CML retinopathy with an aggressive course and poor anatomical result.