Orbital Swelling and Ptosis as an Initial Presentation of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Orbital manifestations of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma

A 2-year-old boy presented with left periorbital edema, proptosis, hyperglobus and esotropia. Imaging revealed an inferotemporal orbital mass with adjacent bony erosion. Histological evaluation of an orbital biopsy revealed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (B-ALL/BLL). The patient was subsequently treated with chemotherapy. Although orbital involvement in acute myelogenous leukemia has been well-described, orbital manifestations of B-ALL/BLL are uncommon, with only a limited number of previous reports in the literature.

Acute onset facial oedema: an unusual presentation of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a child

A previously fit and well girl of middle-childhood age presented to her local emergency department after waking with upper-facial swelling. She had a 24-hour preceding history of mild vomiting illness and fatigue. Examination revealed palpable splenomegaly and mild cervical lymphadenopathy, with pitting oedema of the forehead, nasal bridge and eyelids. Admission full blood count showed anaemia and neutropenia, and further investigations confirmed a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukaemia. X-ray of the chest and CT imaging did not reveal any local facial mass, veno-occlusive disease or mediastinal pathology to explain her facial swelling. She was referred to the tertiary paediatric oncology service for commencement of induction chemotherapy.