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Purpose: To report a patient who was referred for orbital cellulitis but was finally diagnosed with acute leukemia. Case Report: A 17-year-old boy presented with fever, periorbital erythema and swelling mimicking periorbital cellulitis. He underwent empiric antibiotic therapy. Complete blood counts revealed leukocytosis with a predominance of immature blast cells. Bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia. Chemotherapy was initiated resulting in resolution of signs and symptoms. Conclusion: Acute leukemia may mimic periorbital cellulitis and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.