Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD)

What is Fibromuscular Dysplasia?

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is abnormal development of the lining in the walls of the arteries – most commonly in the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys (renal arteries) and the head and neck (carotid arteries) – causing a narrowing of the arteries. FMD can lead to kidney failure, stroke and brain aneurysms.

Causes

The causes of fibromuscular dysplasia FMD are unknown.

Risk Factors

• Age: FMD is most often seen in people ages 25 to 50
• Gender: FMD affects more women than men
• Smoking: Smoking worsens the effects of FMD, but does not cause it

What are the Symptoms?

Some people with FMD have no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

• High blood pressure
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Chronic headache
• Brain aneurysms
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Weakness or numbness in the face
• Neck pain
• Temporary blurring or loss of vision

How is Fibromuscular Dysplasia Diagnosed?

• Ultrasound: The ultrasound's high-frequency sound waves provide a picture of the blood flow in the arteries and help determine whether there is any narrowing.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: X-ray slices of the arteries are taken to determine if there are any areas with poor blood flow or narrow arteries.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Radio waves and magnetic fields are used to show areas of poor blood flow and narrowing.
• Angiography: A dye is inserted into a patient's arteries through a catheter, then an X-ray is taken to show how blood flows through the arteries and whether any arteries are narrowed or blocked. Often, FMD requires angiography for a thorough diagnosis.

Treatment at UVA's Heart and Vascular Center

The most common treatment for FMD is angioplasty. In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a catheter with a balloon on its tip and runs it to the area of the artery that is narrowed. The balloon is inflated, opening up the artery. Some FMD cases require surgery based on factors such as its location.