Topic Reviews A-Z
Fibromuscular Dysplasia Review
Fibromuscular dysplasia is a disorder in which the arterial wall is abnormally thickened and fibrosed.
This can result in hemodynamically significant stenosis and most commonly affects the renal arteries and the carotid arteries. Rarely, mesenteric vessels or other arteries can be involved.
Fibromuscular dysplasia is more common in young women. Symptoms include those from hypertension when the renal arteries are involved. Stroke can occur from either uncontrolled hypertension or from involvement of the fibromuscular dysplasia in the carotid arteries.
The characteristic “string of beads” appearance is seen on angiography. Treatment includes percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with stenting of either the renal or carotid arteries.
References:
1. Polosky et al. Fibromuscular Dysplasia. Circulation. 2012; 125: e636-e639
2. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine
3. Hurst's the Heart, 13th Edition