Cortical blindness in a boy with acute glomerulonephritis.

Abstract

Post-infectious acute glomerulonephritis with hypertensive encephalopathy is characterized by episodic hypertension with headache, vomiting, and hematuria. The association between hypertensive encephalopathy and cortical blindness in children with acute glomerulonephritis is extremely rare. We report the case of a 10-year-old boy with acute glomerulonephritis who presented with gross hematuria, headache, vomiting, and oliguria, and developed transient cortical blindness as a complication of hypertensive encephalopathy. No occurrence of seizure was observed during the clinical course. T2-weighted cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed a high-intensity signal over cortical and subcortical areas of bilateral occipital regions. His vision recovered fully, 2 days after receiving antihypertensive therapy. The patient was well without complaint at 1-year follow-up. This case highlights the possibility that cortical blindness may develop as a complication of acute glomerulonephritis in children. Prevention of the occurrence of neurological deficits in children with acute glomerulonephritis and hypertensive encephalopathy requires careful evaluation and appropriate management of hypertension.