[Proliferative retinopathy in chronic myeloid leukemia].

BACKGROUND

In 50% of patients with acute and chronic myelocytic leukemia retinal alterations occur which are similar to those of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy or hypertensive retinopathy. Retinal neovascularizations, however, are rarely seen and only found in patients with the chronic disease.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We report on the clinical course of three patients with advanced stage of proliferative retinopathy in CML. In two patients, the diagnosis of CML was established after ocular involvement. Therapy was planned according to the principles, which have proven effective in other vasoproliferative retinopathies. Eyes with neovascular changes were only treated by panretinal scatter photocoagulation of the avascular zones. In the cases with complications like vitreous hemorrhage and traction retinal detachment, vitreoretinal surgery was performed.

RESULTS

Using this therapeutic principles in 4 of 6 eyes a visual acuity > 0.7 could be preserved. In three eyes impending macular involvement by traction retinal detachment was prevented.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic approach, which is valid for proliferative retinopathies of various etiology is also beneficial for ocular complications in CML.