Bilateral visual loss as the initial presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia: a case report

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is the most common leukemia in adults. It can present with a wide variable range of symptoms and signs related to the phase of the disease. Ophthalmic manifestations as the first presentation of CML are unique, although they can occur during any stage of the disease. Ocular lesions in CML patients may be asymptomatic, so all patients should undergo an eye evaluation at the initial diagnosis.

The authors report a case of a 17-year-old Syrian male who initially presented with progressive loss of vision, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Clinical examination showed bilateral retinal aneurysm hemorrhage, jaundice, and splenomegaly. Bone marrow biopsy results were consistent with the diagnosis of CML returning to AML. The patient was treated with intensive chemotherapy and then prepared for hematopoietic transplantation.

CML can present with variable symptoms and signs, but the ophthalmic manifestations are uncommon. Ophthalmic problems occur either from infiltration of neoplastic cells or from secondary causes, like thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, hyperviscosity syndrome, or leukoembolization. In the literature, only some case reports presented eye involvement in CML as the first manifestation.

Although this is a rare presentation of CML, we believe that it should be taken into consideration when managing these situations to obtain the right diagnosis and better treatment results. Collaboration between hematologists and ophthalmologists is necessary in deciding the treatment. Acute myeloid leukemia needs immediate medical attention and different treatment from CML.