MALIGNANT HYPERTENSION PRESENTING AS BLURRED VISION IN A 43 YEAR-OLD INTRAVENOUS DRUG-ABUSER

A 43 year old intravenous drug abuser presented to the accident and em ergency department with a three week history of bilateral visual loss and frontal headaches. Fundoscopy revealed bilateral retinal cotton wo ol spots and haemorrhages and an ophthalmic opinion was requested. His blood pressure was subsequently found to be 210/140. A diagnosis of m alignant hypertension was made and blood pressure was gradually contro lled on oral antihypertensives. This case illustrates the importance o f checking the blood pressure of all patients presenting with visual l oss.