Hypertensive retinopathy grade iv in an 11-year-old girl with renal arterial hypertension due to recurrent reflux pyelonephritis.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of retinal vascular abnormalities in children is shown to be similar to that in adults. Swelling of the optic disk in children may have different etiologies. The differential diagnosis necessitates an interdisciplinary workup.

METHODS

This study presents a case of bilateral edema of the optic disk with unilateral diminution of visual acuity in an 11-year-old girl due to malignant hypertension caused by reflux nephropathy in consequence of vesicoureteric reflux and recurrent urinary tract infections.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of malignant hypertension in children and adequate therapy are essential for avoiding permanent visual dysfunction.