Ophthalmic findings in a case of hemophagocytic syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report a case of hemophagocytic syndrome, which is characterized by hemophagocytosis of histiocytes; optic nerve involvement, and unusual retinal white patches.

METHOD: Case report. A 10-year-old boy had repeated relapses of hemophagocytic syndrome. He complained of swelling of the right upper eyelid and bilateral visual disturbance.

RESULTS

Ophthalmoscopic examination disclosed bilateral optic disk edema, retinal hemorrhages, and multiple perivenous white patches in the retina. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated enlargement of both optic nerves. After chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, his visual acuity improved in both eyes, and retinal patches changed to inactive-appearing scars.

CONCLUSION

Hemophagocytic syndrome may manifest with ophthalmic findings such as optic nerve involvement, retinal hemorrhages, and multiple white perivenous retinal patches.