RETRO-ORBITAL LATE RELAPSE IN A CHILD WITH LEUKEMIA AFTER ALLOGENEIC BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

Relapse after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) usually occ urs in the bone marrow and is often associated with a poor prognosis. Isolated extramedullary relapse following BMT is exceedingly rare. We observed an isolated relapse in the left retro-orbital region of a 13- year-old girl, 3 years after BMT performed for acute lymphoblastic leu kaemia in third complete remission. Computerized tomography revealed a tumor at the inferomedial part of the orbit infiltrating the maxillar y and ethmoid sinuses and nasal cavities and also involving the rectus muscles. Histology demonstrated a monomorphic leukaemic infiltrate. C omplete disappearance of the retro-orbital mass was obtained with chem otherapy and local irradiation.