Bilateral serous retinal detachment as an unusual presentation of terminal chronic renal failure in a pediatric patient

Introduction: Serous retinal detachment (RD) is defined as an elevation of the retina produced by the accumulation of fluid in the sub-retina without significant vitreous traction or rupture. It is associated with ocular and systemic pathologies such as chronic renal failure (CRF). It is necessary to determine the underlying disease in order to provide specific treatment. Case report: We present the case of a 13-year-old girl, with no previous medical history, who was referred to the Ophthalmology Service due to bilateral retinal detachment (RD), consisting of serous RD. She was subsequently referred to the Pediatric Emergency Department for detection of the underlying pathology. The physical examination showed arterial hypertension, pale skin and mucous membranes, as well as bilateral palpebral and lower limb edema; laboratory studies showed anemia and a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. Ultrasound showed small-sized kidneys with increased echogenicity and the diagnosis of CRF was made. Chronic antihypertensive and hemodialysis treatment was performed with progressive improvement of the RD, without achieving normal visual acuity. Conclusion: The sudden loss of vision in a patient without previous pathology may be due to a systemic disease such as CRF, so these patients must undergo a rigorous laboratory control since ophthalmological findings may be a sign. of uncontrolled metabolic alterations.