Leucemic retinitis, also known as leukemic retinopathy, is a condition in which the retina is affected by leukemia. The correct spelling of this condition is "loo-KEE-mik re-ti-NYE-tis." The first syllable, "loo," is pronounced with a long "u" sound. The second syllable, "KEE," is pronounced like the word "key." The third syllable, "mik," is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The fourth syllable, "re," is pronounced with a short "e" sound. The final syllable, "ti-NYE-tis," is pronounced with stress on the second-to-last syllable and a long "i" sound.
Leukemic retinitis is a rare ophthalmic manifestation associated with leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and less commonly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is characterized by the infiltration of leukemic cells into the retina, leading to visual impairments and potential loss of vision.
The condition occurs when leukemic cells migrate from the bone marrow into the blood vessels of the retina, causing inflammation and damage to the retinal tissues. This infiltration often leads to the formation of white patches within the eye, which can be observed during a clinical examination.
Leukemic retinitis typically presents with various symptoms, including blurry vision, decreased visual acuity, or even complete loss of vision in severe cases. Other associated visual disturbances may include floaters, flashes of light, and color vision abnormalities. It is crucial to diagnose this condition promptly, as it may indicate a relapse or progression of the leukemia. Ophthalmologists will conduct a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests and fundoscopic evaluation, to detect the characteristic signs of leukemic retinitis.
Treatment for leukemic retinitis primarily focuses on managing the underlying leukemia. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation may be utilized to address the systemic disease, and occasionally intravitreal injections of chemotherapy drugs can be administered to manage the ocular manifestations. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment play a vital role in improving visual outcomes and preventing permanent vision loss associated with leukemic retinitis.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "leucemic retinitis" is a medical term used to describe a condition where the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye, is affected by leukemia, a type of blood cancer.
The etymology of "leucemic" is derived from the term "leukemia", which is a combination of the Greek words "leukos" (meaning "white") and "aima" (meaning "blood"). This is due to the observation that patients with leukemia often have an abnormal increase in white blood cells.
The term "retinitis" refers to inflammation or swelling of the retina. It is derived from the Latin word "retina", meaning "net" or "net-like structure", as the retina consists of a complex network of cells and nerve fibers that play a vital role in vision.