Dramatic visual recovery after prompt radiotherapy and chemotherapy for leukaemic infiltration of the optic nerve in a child

Leukemic Optic Neuropathy in Pediatric Patients: A Case Series

PURPOSE

To characterize the presentation, clinical course, and treatment of a series of children with leukemic optic neuropathy.

METHODS

Patients with leukemia who were treated at a tertiary children's hospital for optic nerve infiltration were included (n = 11). Demographic information, cancer history, ophthalmologic examination findings, treatment, and outcomes were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Mean age was 10.0 ± 4.8 years, and 63.6% were male and 36.4% were female. The most common underlying oncologic diagnosis was B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 7, 63.6%). Notably, the majority presented with optic nerve infiltration during presumed remission (n = 9, 81.8%), but 2 patients (18.2%) presented with optic nerve infiltration at their initial leukemia diagnosis. Cerebrospinal fluid was positive for leukemic cells in 36.4% of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated optic nerve enhancement and/or enlargement in only 8 patients (72.7%). In addition to other leukemia-directed treatment, 8 patients (72.7%) received emergent local radiation within 1.5 ± 1.2 days of initial ophthalmology examination.

CONCLUSIONS

The largely negative cerebrospinal fluid results and variable magnetic resonance imaging findings in this study emphasize the importance of clinical context for this diagnosis. Clinicians should consider optic nerve infiltration in patients with leukemia and visual or ocular complaints, because urgent treatment is required to preserve vision and manage systemic disease. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(1):67-72.].

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia relapse presenting with optic nerve infiltration

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy. Despite many advances in therapy, about 15%-20% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia experience a disease relapse. Isolated ocular relapse is relatively rare. A 14-year-old male with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in remission presented with sudden onset of right eye pain and visual acuity impairment. Fundoscopic examination of the eye and magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits were consistent with optic nerve infiltration. The patient was treated with salvage chemotherapy, orbital radiation and eventual bone marrow transplantation, with notable improvement in vision and regression of retinal and optic nerve findings. Optic nerve infiltration represents an ophthalmic emergency and requires urgent management. The use of radiation therapy is a helpful adjunct with systemic chemotherapy in obtaining disease remission.

Bilateral optic nerve and retinal infiltration as an initial site of relapse in a child with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

PURPOSE

To describe a case of leukemic infiltration of bilateral optic nerves and retina as a site of relapse in a child with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

OBSERVATIONS

We report a 7 year old female who presented one year following initial treatment for T-Cell ALL with visual acuity impairment, bilateral optic nerve infiltration and infiltration of the retina of both eyes. OCT demonstrated subretinal fluid in both eyes, which eventually resolved, and perivascular hyperreflectivity within the inner retinal layers. She was treated with systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy, total body and orbital radiation and eventual bone marrow transplantation with notable improvement in vision and regression of retinal and optic nerve findings. With continued remission, there was notable outer retinal thinning, specifically of the photoreceptors in the right eye.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Leukemic abnormalities of the eye are not uncommon, however optic nerve and retinal infiltration are rare manifestations. Leukemic infiltrates of the retina can be detected by OCT despite normal funduscopic examination and monitored for improvement. The optic nerve and other ocular tissues are considered a pharmacologic sanctuary and thus, the optic nerve can be a site of relapse in leukemia. The use of radiation therapy is a helpful adjunct with systemic, intrathecal chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in obtaining clinical remission and visual acuity improvement.

Bilateral Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Associated with Bilateral Lymphoproliferative Infiltrative Optic Neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Leukemic infiltration of the optic nerve is relatively rare. While previously described in acute leukemia, the infiltration in our case represents central nervous system (CNS) metastasis of Burkitt-type lymphoma that developed as a complication of solid-organ transplantation, resulting in a bilateral infiltrative optic neuropathy with sequential, bilateral central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and devastating vision loss.

METHODS

The medical record, serial ophthalmic examination findings, clinical course, and imaging including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fundus photographs, and fluorescein angiography of a single patient were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

MRI demonstrated multifocal cortical and leptomeningeal CNS involvement, including the left optic nerve. Serial fundus examination/photography and fluorescein angiography showed that despite urgent whole-brain irradiation and systemic chemotherapy, CNS disease progressed to bilateral optic nerve infiltration and CRAO with no light perception vision in both eyes.

CONCLUSION

CRAO can occur as a devastating and irreversible complication of lymphoproliferative optic nerve infiltration.