Unilateral choroidal involvement revealing an acute leukemia

Abstract

A 56-year-old man presented with unilateral subacute visual loss secondary to an exudative serous retinal detachment of the left eye. The clinical course was later complicated by choroidal thickening and uveal effusion. Laboratory investigations revealed acute myeloid leukemia. Systemic chemotherapy was initiated, resulting in regression of the initial ocular findings, while the more typical ocular manifestations associated with leukemia subsequently became apparent. Choroidal infiltration in acute leukemia is rare, particularly as a presenting feature. Retinal abnormalities resolved markedly following successful management of the leukemia, supporting the conclusion that the ocular manifestations were a direct consequence of leukemic infiltration of the choroid.