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Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a condition characterized by abnormal development or growth of cells in the walls of blood vessels (arteries) that can cause the vessels to narrow. The carotid arteries, which pass through the neck and supply blood to the brain, are commonly affected. Arteries within the brain and kidneys can also be affected. Some people with FMD experience no symptoms of the disease while others may experience high blood pressure, dizziness or vertigo, chronic headache, ringing in the ears, weakness or numbness in the face, neck pain, or changes in vision. Potential severe complications include arterial aneurysms and dissections, stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage (when a brain aneurysm ruptures), and mesenteric ischemia. FMD is most often seen in people age 25 to 50 years and affects women more often than men. The cause of FMD is unknown, however, genetic and hormonal factors may be involved. Familial cases of FMD are rare. Treatment is based on the arteries affected and the progression and severity of the disease.
Source: GARD Last updated on 05-01-20
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The cause of FMD is unknown. It is likely that there are many factors that contribute to the development of this condition. These factors may include blood vessel abnormalities, tobacco use, hormone levels, and genetic predispositions.
Last updated on 05-01-20
In rare cases, FMD-related aneurysms can burst and bleed into the brain, causing stroke, permanent nerve damage, or death. Certain treatment can help reduce the risk of life- threatening complications of FMD. Patients with minimal narrowing of blood vessels may take a daily aspirin or a blood thinner (anticoagulant) to thin the blood and reduce the chances that a clot might form. Individuals with arterial disease who smoke should be encouraged to quit as smoking worsens the disease. Further treatment may include angioplasty, in which a small balloon is inserted through a catheter and inflated to open the artery. Small tubes called stents may be inserted to keep arteries open. Surgery may be needed to treat aneurysms that have the potential to rupture and cause bleeding within the brain.
Last updated on 05-01-20
Specific recurrence risks for stroke in FMD are not available. Case reports suggest that treatment with medicines and angioplasty can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
One research study followed 103 individuals with a history of carotid artery dissection, which can lead to stroke. They found that 5 out of these individuals had recurrence of carotid artery dissection and 80% of those with recurrence had FMD. They concluded that within this group, the rate of recurrence of carotid artery dissection was 1% per year and it was most often related to FMD.
Last updated on 05-01-20
Genomics of Fibromuscular Dysplasia. Di Monaco S, Georges A, Lengelé JP, Vikkula M, Persu A. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 May 21;19(5). Review.
Last updated on 04-27-20
The The Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America (FMDSA) provides information and support for Fibromuscular dysplasia
Last updated on 04-27-20
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