Serous retinal detachment as a presenting feature of chronic myelogenous leukemia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a case of diffuse unilateral retinal detachment as an initial symptom of chronic myelogenous leukemia in a 35-year-old woman.

METHODS

This is a case report of a 35-year-old white woman who presented with painless acute visual loss in her left eye.

RESULTS

A 35-year-old white woman presented with acute visual loss in her left eye. She had no systemic or ophthalmological medical history. Slit-lamp examination was normal in both eyes. Fundus examination of the left eye showed not only multiple retinal hemorrhages but also a diffuse serous retinal detachment affecting the nasal aspect of the retina and the posterior pole. The leukocyte count was 124,000/mm (99% blasts), and the Philadelphia chromosome was positive, an abnormality that is associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

CONCLUSION

Serous retinal detachment is an uncommon feature among leukemias. Chronic myelogenous leukemia may remain asymptomatic until a blastic phase occurs. Prompt recognition of the disease leads to early systemic chemotherapy and may help to restore visual function.