Leukemic Involvement of the Optic Nerve

Leukaemic infiltration of the optic nerve as the initial manifestation of leukaemic relapse

“…2,5 Direct invasion to the orbit may cause severe proptosis, which could result from massive soft tissue infiltration or retrobulbar haemorrhage. 2,5 Leukaemic retinopathy is more commonly found in the acute form of leukaemia. Tortuous dilated retinal veins, cotton-wool patches, intraretinal haemorrhages, and sheathing vessels are classic features of the retinopathy.…”

“…1 Cases of leukaemic involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) are becoming more frequent because of the increased survival rate associated with more effective treatment including combination therapy of systemic chemotherapy, prophylactic irradiation, and intrathecal injection of cytotoxic drugs. [1][2][3][4][5] Direct invasion of the orbit with the neoplastic cells is common, but the involvement of the optic nerve, uveal tract, and retina is relatively rare. 2,3 The optic nerve is known to be one of the diseaserelapse sites in a patient with systemic or meningeal leukaemia, 2,4 but it was rarely reported as the initial isolated presentation for the relapse in a patient with complete remission.…”

“…Moreover, the optic nerve had been characterized to be a pharmacologic sanctuary, relatively unaffected by systemic chemotherapy. 3,5 Thus, a separate treatment modality, often radiotherapy, is required for the optic nerve involvement of leukaemia. 2,5,6 Here, we report three cases of leukaemia with the leukaemic infiltration of the optic nerve as the initial isolated presentation of disease relapse.…”

“…3,5 Thus, a separate treatment modality, often radiotherapy, is required for the optic nerve involvement of leukaemia. 2,5,6 Here, we report three cases of leukaemia with the leukaemic infiltration of the optic nerve as the initial isolated presentation of disease relapse. Systemic remission was proved by bone marrow aspiration and peripheral blood studies at the time of presentation.…”

Ophthalmological Manifestations in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

“…It can happen in up to 13 to 18% of leukemias. Central nervous system involvement is becoming more frequent as new, more effective treatments have allowed an improvement of the survival of patients suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Arruga, 2000;Nikaido et al, 1988). The symptoms of central nervous system leukemia depend on the rise of the intracranial pressure and the affectation of the cranial nerves.…”