Bilateral serous macular detachment as a presenting feature of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

PURPOSE. To report a case of bilateral serous maculopathy as an initial sign of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. METHODS/RESULTS. A 13-year-old girl, who presented with symptoms of visual blurring, was found to have a bilateral serous maculopathy. Haematological abnormalities (thrombocytopenia with a mild lymphocytosis) prompted further investigation. A bone marrow aspirate revealed the presence of leukemic blasts and a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was made. Her maculopathy completely resolved following systemic chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS. Prompt recognition of disease led to early systemic treatment and restoration of visual function.