Leukostasis Retinopathy as the First Sign of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with Severe Hyperleukocytosis: Two Case Reports.

Abstract

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm resulting from BCR-ABL translocation [1]. Typical retinopathy caused by CML includes retinal hemorrhages, Roth spots, cotton wool spots, venous dilatation, and tortuosity due to the penetration of leukemic tumor cells or secondary influence through anemia and thrombo - cytopenia [2]. Leukostasis, also known as symptomatic hyperleukocytosis, forms plugs consisting of white blood cells with increased volume and adhesion, which cause microvascular occlusion. Leukostasis retinopathy is a rare complication of CML compared to typical leukemic retinopathy. Herein, we report retinal and choroidal changes in patients with leukostasis retinopathy as the first sign of CML using multimodal imaging. Informed consents for publication of the research details and clinical images were obtained from the patients.