Anterior segment ischemia: classification and description in chronic myelogenous leukemia.

A patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia is described who developed anterior segment ischemia after extreme leukocytosis with a resultant increase in the blood viscosity. The patient's signs and symptoms resolved after therapy which normalized the white blood cell count. It is thought that the anterior segment ischemia was a result of sludging of white blood cells in the ciliary arteries. It is important to recognize that anterior segment ischemia can occur as a complication of chronic myelogenous leukemia associated with extreme leukocytosis. A new classification of anterior segment ischemia is given.