Hypertensive retinopathy in the end-stage renal failure – study case

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Ophthalmology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Chronic renal failure (CRF) due to glomerulonephritis can lead to systemic complications.
• Hypertensive retinopathy is a known complication of poorly controlled renal disease and hypertension.
• Transient visual disturbances can occur in patients with advanced kidney disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of transient binocular vision deterioration in a young woman with CRF.
• To highlight the ocular manifestations of uncontrolled hypertension secondary to glomerulonephritis.
• To demonstrate the impact of managing the primary renal disease on visual outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 26-year-old female patient with a history of glomerulonephritis since age 2.
• Management included hospitalization in Nephrology for dialysis and blood pressure normalization.
• Ophthalmological follow-up for 9 months to monitor retinopathy and visual acuity.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced transient deterioration of binocular vision.
• Bilateral hypertensive retinopathy was diagnosed secondary to renal hypertension.
• Treatment of CRF and hypertension resulted in significant resolution of retinopathy and improved visual acuity.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of chronic renal failure and associated hypertension is crucial for preventing and reversing ocular complications like hypertensive retinopathy.
• This case underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care involving nephrology and ophthalmology for patients with systemic diseases affecting vision.
• Prompt treatment of the underlying kidney disease can lead to substantial visual recovery.