Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Revealing Malignant Hypertension and Terminal Renal Failure: A Case Report

Abstract

AIMS: This case highlights the critical need for routine blood pressure monitoring, as unrecognized hypertension can lead to devastating complications. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to prevent irreversible target organ damage and improve long-term cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Case Report: We present the case of a 35-year-old male who developed acute bilateral vision loss due to grade IV hypertensive retinopathy with bilateral central retinal vein occlusion. Further investigations revealed previously undiagnosed malignant arterial hypertension, complicated by end-stage renal disease and severe left ventricular hypertrophy. Despite prompt initiation of intensive antihypertensive therapy, renal function remained irreversibly impaired, necessitating kidney transplantation six months later. Over a one-year follow-up period, hypertensive retinopathy gradually resolved. Conclusion: Malignant hypertension is a severe and life-threatening condition that can lead to multiorgan damage if left undiagnosed and untreated.