Ocular involvement as the initial manifestation of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PURPOSE: To present a case of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T-CLL) manifesting as an intraocular lymphoma.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

We performed a vitreous biopsy in a 67-year-old woman who presented with blurred vision and vitreous cellular infiltration. Morphologic, immunohistochemical, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction of vitreous fluid, peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirate, and biopsy were performed.

RESULTS

Cytofluorographic and molecular analysis of vitreous cells demonstrated a monoclonal T-cell population consistent with a T-cell intraocular lymphoma. Systemic evaluation established diagnosis of T-cell CLL.

CONCLUSION

T-CLL is a rare disease with an aggressive clinical course. We present a case of T-cell intraocular lymphoma as the initial manifestation of an otherwise asymptomatic T-CLL.