Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Leukemic optic neuropathy

  • Published:
International Ophthalmology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The clinical course and ophthalmic manifestations of an eight year old child with acute undifferentiated leukemia and unilateral blindness secondary to leukemic optic nerve head infiltration are described. At autopsy the involved nerve head and peripapillary retina demonstrated massive leukemic cell infiltration and hemorrhagic necrosis. This manifestation of leukemia is quite uncommon and prognosis for life in such cases is poor with existing methods of therapy.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Allen, R. A. & B. R. Straatsma. Ocular involvement in leukemia and allied disorders. Arch. Ophthal. 66: 490–508 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Boniuk, I. The cytomegalovirus and the eye. Int. Ophthal. Clin. 12: 169–190 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Borgeson, E. J. & H. P. Wagener. Changes in the eye in leukemia. Am. J. Med. Sci. 177: 663–676 (1929).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Chalfin, A. I., B. M. Nash & J. H. Goldstein. Optic nerve head involvement in lymphocytic leukemia. J. Ped. Ophthal. 10: 39–43 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Editorial. Intracranial hypertension and steroids. Lancet 2: 1052–1053 (1964).

  6. Ellis, W. & H. L. Little. Leukemic infiltration of the optic nerve head. Am. J. Ophthal. 75: 867–871 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Gibson, G. G. Clinical significance of the retinal changes in leukemia. Arch. Ophthal. 20: 364–370 (1938).

    Google Scholar 

  8. Goldbach, L. J. Leukemic retinitis. Arch. Ophthal. 10: 808–817 (1933).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Kincaid, M. D., W. R. Green & J. S. Kelly. Acute ocular leukemia. Am. J. Ophthal. 87: 698–702 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Murray, K. H., F. Paolino, J. M. Goldman, D. A. G. Galton & C. F. J. Grindle. Ocular involvement in leukemia. Lancet 1: 829–831 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  11. Ridgway, E. W., W. Jaffe & D. S. Walton. Leukemic ophthalmopathy in children. Cancer 38: 1744–1749 (1976).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oncology Service Wills Eye Hospital Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa., USA

    Gary C. Brown, Jerry A. Shields & James J. Augsburger

  2. University of Pennsylvania Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Philadelphia, Pa., USA

    Frederic T. Serota & Penelope Koch

Authors
  1. Gary C. Brown
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jerry A. Shields
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. James J. Augsburger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Frederic T. Serota
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Penelope Koch
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Additional information

This study was supported in part by the Retina Rsearch and Development Foundation Inc., Philadephia, and the Pennsylvania Lions Sight Conservation and Eye Research Fooudattion, inc.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Brown, G.C., Shields, J.A., Augsburger, J.J. et al. Leukemic optic neuropathy. Int Ophthalmol 3, 111–116 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00133423

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00133423

Keywords

Search

Navigation