Lipemia retinalis in setting of asparaginase and glucocorticoid therapy preceding acute pancreatitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of asymptomatic grade III lipemia retinalis in the setting of pegylated asparaginase chemotherapy with concomitant glucocorticoid treatment which preceded an episode of acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

Case Report.

RESULTS

A 31-year-old male with acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed lipemia retinalis (triglycerides 1907 mg/dL) during consolidation therapy with pegylated asparaginase and glucocorticoids. Discontinuation of asparaginase and initiation of fenofibrate led to complete resolution of retinal findings and normalization of triglycerides. A month later, he developed acute pancreatitis (lipase 660 U/L) which resolved with intensive care management. He remains in remission with stable ocular findings.

CONCLUSION

Lipemia retinalis may serve as an early ophthalmic marker of chemotherapy-induced hypertriglyceridemia, particularly in the setting of combined glucocorticoid and asparaginase therapy. Prompt recognition is critical, as it can precede life-threatening complications such as acute pancreatitis and guide timely modifications in treatment.