IngentaConnect Retinopathy in acute leukaemia at initial diagnosis: correlation ...

Authors: Reddy, S. C.¹; Jackson, N.²

Source: Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica, Volume 82, Number 1, February 2004 , pp. 81-85(5)

Abstract:

. Purpose:

To determine the prevalence of retinal changes in newly diagnosed acute leukaemia patients, and to establish the relationship between retinal lesions and haematological parameters in these patients. Methods:

A total of 127 patients with acute leukaemia (myeloid and lymphoid), of both genders, aged between 13 and 77 years, were examined by an ophthalmologist for retinal changes using direct/indirect ophthalmoscopy within 2 days of diagnosis before starting chemotherapy. Results:

Retinal lesions were seen in 62 cases (49%), with intraretinal haemorrhages being the most common lesion (42%). A high white blood cell count was significantly associated with intraretinal haemorrhages (p = 0.04) and white-centred haemorrhages (p = 0.001), while a low platelet count was significantly associated with intraretinal haemorrhages (p = 0.03) in acute myeloid leukaemia patients. Conclusions:

A high white blood cell count may be considered as important as a low platelet count in the pathogenesis of leukaemic retinopathy.

Keywords: acute leukaemia; retinopathy; intraretinal haemorrhages; white-centred haemorrhages; cotton-wool spots

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.1600-0420.2003.00197.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia 2: Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

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Retinopathy in acute leukaemia at initial diagnosis: correlation of fundus lesions and haematological parameters