Fibromuscular Dysplasia - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Fibromuscular Dysplasia?

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is not common. In this, abnormal cell growth will occur in the walls of the arteries. Do you know what arteries are? They are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body.

Why is this abnormal growth in the arteries a problem? This abnormal growth causes the arteries to narrow, bulge, or develop a beaded appearance when viewed through imaging tests.

These changes can affect how blood flows through the arteries, sometimes leading to reduced oxygen supply to organs and tissues.

FMD can involve one or several arteries in different parts of the body. They are:

• Carotid artery FMD – In your neck, it carries blood between your heart and brain.

• Renal artery FMD – Which carries blood from your heart to your kidneys.

• Coronary arteries – These supply blood directly to your heart.

Unlike atherosclerosis, which is caused by cholesterol plaque buildup, FMD vascular disease is a non-atherosclerotic arterial disease, meaning it occurs due to structural abnormalities in the artery wall rather than fatty deposits.

Who Might Get Fibromuscular Dysplasia?

While anyone can develop fibromuscular dysplasia, it is more common in women between 30 and 60 years old.

What Are the Types of Fibromuscular Dysplasia?

Based on how the affected arteries appear in imaging, fibromuscular dysplasia is classified into two main types:

Multifocal fibromuscular dysplasia

• The most common type.

• Shows a “string of beads” pattern with alternating narrow and wide sections of the artery.

Focal fibromuscular dysplasia

• Involves one smooth, narrow section of the artery.

• May cause significant restriction of blood flow.

What Causes Fibromuscular Dysplasia?

The exact cause of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is still unknown. However, certain factors may increase your risk of developing FMD.

• Genetic factors: Fibromuscular dysplasia has a genetic link. That means it runs in some families.

• Hormones: Fibromuscular dysplasia is more commonly seen in women. Especially those of childbearing age. That means that female hormones may play a role in FMD.

• Environmental factors: Smoking can damage blood vessels and make fibromuscular dysplasia worse.

• Associated conditions: People with connective tissue disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (genetic) or neurofibromatosis (genetic condition affecting the nervous system), may be more likely to develop fibromuscular dysplasia.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromuscular Dysplasia?

The signs and symptoms of FMD depend on the arteries affected. Some people with mild FMD cases might not have any symptoms.

Renal artery FMD symptoms:

• High blood pressure.

• Decreased kidney function.

• Flank or abdominal pain.

Carotid artery FMD symptoms:

• Headaches or migraines.

• Dizziness.

• Neck or jaw pain.

• Stroke-like symptoms (weakness, speech, or vision issues).

Other FMD symptoms:

• Abdominal pain.

• Leg or arm pain during movement.

• Weakness in the arms or legs.

• Tingling sensation in the extremities.

• Imbalance.

• Altered state of mind.

• Difficulty in walking.

• Confusion.

• Generalized numbness.

How Is Fibromuscular Dysplasia Diagnosed?

Many people discover fibromuscular dysplasia by chance, usually when they undergo an angiogram or another test for a different health concern.

For example, a doctor may notice signs of fibromuscular dysplasia during a routine check-up by hearing an unusual sound (called a bruit) over an artery.

If your doctor suspects FMD vascular disease, they may recommend the following tests for fibromuscular dysplasia diagnosis:

• Duplex ultrasound: A simple, noninvasive test that checks blood flow and detects artery narrowing.

• CT (computed tomography) angiography (CTA): Advanced imaging tests that show the typical “string of beads” pattern seen in multifocal FMD.

• Catheter-based angiography: This test, considered the gold standard for diagnosing fibromuscular dysplasia, gives a detailed view of the arteries.

• CT scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or ultrasound: Additional imaging tests that help evaluate affected arteries and surrounding tissues.

How Is Fibromuscular Dysplasia Treated?

There is no specific treatment for FMD. Fibromuscular dysplasia treatment is based on reducing the symptoms and avoiding complications before they occur.

Treatment options for FMD:

• Blood-thinning medicines: Drugs like antiplatelets or anticoagulants to prevent blood clots and reduce stroke risk.

• Blood pressure medicines: ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to control high blood pressure.

• Pain relief medications: Medications such as Botox injections or Aspirin can help relieve pain and headaches.

• Angioplasty: FMD angioplasty is a procedure in which a tiny balloon is inserted through a catheter to open a narrowed artery.

What Are the Complications of FMD?

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) can lead to several serious complications if not treated properly.

Complications of fibromuscular dysplasia:

• High blood pressure: Narrowing of the kidney arteries increases pressure on artery walls, which can lead to heart disease or heart failure over time.

• Tears in artery walls: Fibromuscular dysplasia can cause small tears in arteries.

• Aneurysm (bulging of an artery): Weak spots in artery walls can swell and form a bulge. If the aneurysm bursts (ruptures), it can cause life-threatening bleeding and needs urgent treatment.

• Stroke: A tear or rupture in brain arteries can lead to a stroke. Uncontrolled high blood pressure also increases this risk.

How Can I Prevent Fibromuscular Dysplasia?

There is no known way to prevent fibromuscular dysplasia. Healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce risk and manage symptoms.

• Avoid smoking, as it damages arterial walls.

• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Eat a balanced diet (low in salt and saturated fats).

• Stay physically active.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Regular checkups.

Conclusion

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare condition. It affects the arteries, changing their normal shape and structure. This can cause the arteries to narrow, weaken, or become inflamed, making it harder for blood to flow smoothly.

Many people with FMD do not even realize they have it since it can go undiagnosed for years. There is no specific treatment for this condition. However, FMD symptoms can be managed with proper medical care.

Key Takeaways from iCliniq

• Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare disease. It causes abnormal arterial wall growth.

• It commonly affects the renal and carotid arteries, leading to hypertension and neurological symptoms.

• Fibromuscular dysplasia diagnosis relies on advanced imaging, and effective treatments are available for severe narrowing.

• For any doubts regarding FMD and its treatment, you can consult our specialist doctor at icliniq.com.