Spectral domain optical coherence tomography findings of patients under treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients.

METHODS: Children that were diagnosed with precursor B-cell ALL and classified as belonging to the medium-risk group for relapse were selected for this study. Individuals who were in continuous remission and on maintenance therapy were included in the study group. Cases that had central nervous system involvement were excluded. Age-matched, otherwise healthy children were selected for the control group. Each study participant underwent a comprehensive eye examination and SD-OCT evaluation. Thickness measurements were made within the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), central macula, posterior polar, and peripapillary choroid.

RESULTS: A total of 112 eyes of 56 children were included: 54 eyes in the study group and 58 in the control group. Compared to the control group, subfoveal and temporal choroidal thicknesses of the posterior pole were significantly thinner in the study group (P < 0.005). Similarly, peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were significantly thinner in most sectors of the study group (P < 0.005). There were no major differences between groups in terms of central macular thicknesses and overall RNFL thicknesses.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of choroidal attenuation was found in this subgroup of pediatric ALL patients. Further studies are warranted to clarify the utility of SD-OCT in detecting subclinical ocular involvement and monitoring treatment response and risk of relapse in patients with pediatric leukemia.