Ocular Manifestations of Leukaemia: A Cross-sectional Study from Tertiary Care Hospital of South Gujarat, India

Abstract

Introduction: Leukaemic ophthalmopathy can be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. Several factors can cause leukaemic ophthalmopathy, including opportunistic infections, direct ocular infiltration by leukaemic cells, indirect ocular involvement from subsequent haematologic alterations, and consequences from different treatment modalities. Patients with leukaemia who develop leukaemic infiltrates must undergo urgent systemic and neurological re-evaluation. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and spectrum of leukaemic ophthalmopathy among leukaemic patients and to identify and analyse the common ocular manifestations of leukaemia in different age and gender groups. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South Gujarat, India. A total of 48 patients diagnosed with leukaemia were included in the study. Detailed histories regarding their systemic illness, present systemic complaints, ocular complaints, and history of treatment were noted. Detailed ophthalmoscopic examinations like slit lamp examinations, fundoscopic examinations, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure were performed on each participant. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive data analysis methods in Microsoft Excel sheets. Results: Out of the total 48 leukaemia patients recruited, 16 (33.33%) had ocular manifestations. Among the 25 acute leukaemia patients and 23 chronic leukaemia patients, 8 (32%) and 8 (34.78%) had ocular manifestations, respectively. Among all ocular manifestations, venous tortuosity was the most common, followed by deep and superficial retinal haemorrhage, dry eye, and Roth’s spot. Conclusion: The prevalence of ocular manifestations in leukaemia was reported to be 33.33%. Although an ophthalmologist's involvement in leukaemia treatment is secondary, it is nonetheless crucial to promptly recognise any ocular signs due to the worse prognosis associated with ocular involvement and to rule out extramedullary disease.