Life-threatening haematological disorders presenting with ophthalmic manifestations

David Z. Wechsler*, Thain S. Tay, David L. McKay

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Three cases are reported where life-threatening haematological disorders requiring urgent medical intervention presented initially to the ophthalmologist. Case one, chronic myeloid leukaemia, presented with bilateral leukaemic retinopathy and central retinal vein obstruction due to hyperviscosity. Case two, acute myeloid leukaemia, presented with bilateral haemorrhagic retinopathy. Case three, aplastic anaemia, presented with bilateral retinopathy due to anaemia and thrombocytopaenia resembling bilateral central retinal vein occlusion. In all three cases the presence of simultaneous bilateral retinal vascular involvement and white-centred haemorrhages suggested an underlying haematological disorder and differentiated them from typical retinal venous obstruction. Prompt identification of the underlying haematological disorder allows timely referral for potentially life-saving treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)547-550
Number of pages4
JournalClinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Volume32
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2004

Keywords

  • Aplastic anaemia
  • Central retinal vein occlusion
  • Leukaemia
  • Leukaemic retinopathy

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