Bilateral Acute Proptosis With Papilledema and Sub-retinal Fluid As Initial Manifestations of Acute Lymphoblastic

Elpida Kollia1, Susmito Biswas1, Bhamy Hariprasad Shenoy1

  • 1Paediatric Ophthalmology, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, GBR.

Cureus
|August 12, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Uncommon eye problems like proptosis and papilledema can be the first signs of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Early recognition of these pediatric leukemia ocular symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer.
  • Ocular manifestations of ALL can occur but are often overlooked.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are critical for improving outcomes in pediatric leukemia.

Observation:

  • A five-year-old boy presented with bilateral acute proptosis, papilledema, and sub-retinal fluid.
  • Significant choroidal thickening, exceeding 600 microns, was noted.
  • These ocular findings represented the initial clinical presentation.

Findings:

  • The observed ocular signs were the first indicators of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
  • This case highlights unusual ocular presentations in pediatric leukemia.
  • The findings emphasize the link between specific eye conditions and leukemia.

Implications:

  • Recognizing these uncommon ocular presentations is vital for early ALL diagnosis in children.
  • Timely diagnosis through ophthalmological examination can lead to faster initiation of leukemia treatment.
  • This case reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing pediatric cancers with varied initial symptoms.