Primary hyperaldosteronism with bilateral branch retinal vein occlusion as the initial presentation: A case report.

RATIONALE: To report a rare case of primary hyperaldosteronism initially presenting with bilateral branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

PATIENT CONCERNS: Having a 17-year history of poorly controlled hypertension, a 62-year-old male patient suffered from recurrent macular edema secondary to bilateral BRVO.

DIAGNOSES: Laboratory tests revealed elevated plasma aldosterone concentration, lowered direct renin concentration, and an augmented aldosterone-to-renin ratio, with no suppression of plasma aldosterone on the Captopril test (15.2 ng/dL to 16.1 ng/dL). Diagnosis of bilateral BRVO with recurrent macular edema was further confirmed by ocular imaging, which predominantly comprised optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography.

INTERVENTIONS: The patient received systemic antihypertensive therapy. Ocular treatment included multiple intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections and dexamethasone implants.

OUTCOMES: In the aftermath of combined systemic and intravitreal therapy, blood pressure was controlled, and the condition remained acceptably stable throughout follow-up.

LESSONS: This case sufficiently underscored the significance of systemic screening in patients with BRVO, especially those with refractory hypertension. It has been proven to be effective when systemic and intravitreal therapy are integrated, and long-term management is essential for the clinical treatments.