Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
06:38
Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
2.2K
Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia causing orbital inflammation
Robert McGrath1, Michael Fay2, Lisa McAnena3
1Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland r.mcgrath0019@gmail.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|October 30, 2024
Summary
This case report highlights chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) as a rare cause of orbital inflammation. Prompt steroid treatment resolved symptoms, and azacitidine controlled the underlying leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell neoplasm.
- CMML is characterized by persistent monocytosis and can be associated with systemic inflammatory conditions.
Observation:
- A patient with newly diagnosed CMML presented with acute orbital inflammation, proptosis, elevated intraocular pressure, and vision loss.
- Initial treatments with ocular hypotensives and NSAIDs were ineffective.
Findings:
- Intravenous steroid administration led to rapid resolution of orbital inflammation and ocular hypertension.
- Subsequent treatment with azacitidine achieved systemic control of CMML and prevented recurrence of orbital inflammation.
Implications:
- Orbital inflammation and ocular hypertension can be rare, presenting manifestations of CMML.
- Consider CMML in patients with unexplained orbital inflammation and persistent monocytosis.
- Effective management involves addressing both the ocular symptoms and the underlying hematologic malignancy.
