Jaclyn L Kovach1. 1. From the Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Naples, Naples, Florida.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe hypertensive optic neuropathy and choroidopathy caused by renal failure in an 18-year-old woman. METHODS: The clinical and angiographic findings of a young patient with hypertensive optic neuropathy and choroidopathy caused by hypertensive emergency secondary to renal failure are described. RESULTS: The patient's visual acuity, bilateral optic nerve swelling, and macular edema improved with blood pressure control. Several small areas of exudative retinal detachment remain. CONCLUSION: Accelerated or malignant hypertension is a common cause of bilateral optic nerve swelling and exudative retinal detachments. Treatment of systemic hypertension is essential in reversing the ocular manifestations of the condition.
PURPOSE: To describe hypertensive optic neuropathy and choroidopathy caused by renal failure in an 18-year-old woman. METHODS: The clinical and angiographic findings of a young patient with hypertensive optic neuropathy and choroidopathy caused by hypertensive emergency secondary to renal failure are described. RESULTS: The patient's visual acuity, bilateral optic nerve swelling, and macular edema improved with blood pressure control. Several small areas of exudative retinal detachment remain. CONCLUSION: Accelerated or malignant hypertension is a common cause of bilateral optic nerve swelling and exudative retinal detachments. Treatment of systemic hypertension is essential in reversing the ocular manifestations of the condition.