Retinal manifestations of idiopathic myelofibrosis, a hematologic disorder

Idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) is a bone marrow and hematologic disorder. Retinal and systemic manifestations are observed and result from inefficient blood cell production and blood cell irregularities.

A review of IMF as a disease process is presented by way of case report. A 70-year-old woman came to us with specific systemic symptoms. Further ocular investigation revealed bilateral retinal hemorrhages. The hemorrhages were consistent with the results of subsequently ordered blood tests. An understanding of the underlying systemic condition and recognition of the retinal manifestations of IMF aid in the diagnosis. Recognizing differential diagnoses is important as well because IMF produces retinal findings similar to other blood disorders with comparable blood counts and morphologies. There are certain systemic signs the optometrist may look for to assist in the recognition of IMF as opposed to the other diseases.

This is an important disease process to recognize, since the systemic and retinal manifestations are within optometry's scope to co-manage.