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Chronic myeloid leukemia with Roth spot in a young adult patient

Author: Dilek Keskin; Dilek Keskin, 12/13/2025
Category: Myeloid Neoplasms and acute leukemia (WHO 2016) > Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) > Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Published Date: 02/19/2026

A 29-year-old male patient presented with sudden-onset visual impairment in his left eye. He had no history of chronic illness or trauma. It was noted that he had been taking vitamin B supplements for some time.A comprehensive eye examination revealed a white-centered hemorrhage in the retina of the left eye, consistent with Roth’s spot. Physical examination revealed marked splenomegaly. Complete blood count showed marked leukocytosis (233.60×10³/μL). Vitamin B12 levels were elevated (>2000 ng/L).Peripheral smear showed increased myeloid precursors and a left shift. Following bone marrow biopsy and genetic testing, the patient was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and was started on imatinib 400 mg/day. One month later, the patient got hematological response and full clear sightedness. Retinal hemorrhages are common in leukemic cases. They usually occur in the posterior pole, can involve any layer of the retina, and may extend into the subretinal or vitreous spaces. Chronic myeloid leukemia can present in a variety of ways, including rare and unique ophthalmic manifestations, and an eye problem may be the first symptom of CML. 

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