Abstract
A 6-year-old boy with acute lymphocytic leukemia developed hyperemia in the left conjunctiva bulbi during intensification therapy with vincristine and prednisolone 13 months after diagnosis. Ophthalmologic examination revealed cells in the anterior chamber. Examination of cytocentrifuged smears confirmed the presence of leukemic cells in the anterior chamber fluid. Bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid were free of leukemic cells. Isolated eye relapse was diagnosed, and radiotherapy of 2, 000 cGy to the left eye and systemic reinduction therapy were given with intrathecal chemotherapy. Ten months later, routine follow-up examination revealed the reappearance of cells in the left anterior chamber and the presence of cells in the contralateral anterior chamber as well. At this time bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid were again free of leukemic cells. This case illustrates that the eyes are one of the sanctuary sites independent of the central nervous system, and that the treatment of eye relapse is very difficult.
