Combined orbital proptosis and exudative retinal detachment as initial manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract

We report bilateral orbital and choroidal involvement as the presenting sign of acute myeloid leukemia in a 2-year-old white girl. The patient presented with painless proptosis and subconjunctival hemorrhage. Ophthalmic examination and magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral leukemic infiltrates of the orbits and choroid, with an exudative retinal detachment in the right eye. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed acute myeloid leukemia. Following radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the patient was doing well 12 months after presentation. Outcomes can be poor, even with treatment; prompt recognition of ophthalmic manifestations of leukemia, including proptosis, choroidal infiltration, and retinal detachment, is necessary.