Acute unilateral leukemic hypopyon in an adult with relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Apr;139(4):719-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.09.074.

Abstract

Purpose: To report acute unilateral hypopyon uveitis as an initial presenting feature of relapsing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in an adult patient.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: Anterior chamber paracentesis was performed in a 56-year-old male presenting with treatment-resistant unilateral hypopyon while in the remission phase of ALL.

Results: Examination of the aqueous humor aspirate revealed presence of malignant cells compatible with the previous bone marrow biopsy and subsequent spinal tap results.

Conclusions: Atypical hypopyon uveitis can be an indication of relapsing ALL, even in adults. Prompt anterior chamber aspiration is required for the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Chamber / pathology*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Aqueous Humor / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / cytology
  • Eye Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Eye Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Eye Neoplasms / genetics
  • Glaucoma / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Leukemic Infiltration
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / genetics
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / genetics
  • Suppuration / diagnosis
  • Uveitis, Anterior / diagnosis*