Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare blood vessel disorder that affects the walls of arteries. It is characterized by the abnormal development or growth of cells in the walls of arteries, which can cause the vessels to narrow or bulge. FMD can affect any arterial bed, but it commonly involves renal and carotid arteries. The condition can lead to serious complications such as high blood pressure, stenosis, aneurysm, and sometimes dissection of arteries. FMD is different from most other vascular diseases because it does not involve inflammation or plaque. The cause of FMD is unknown.

FMD can have no symptoms, and many people learn they have the condition as the result of an angiogram or other medical test done for another reason. For some, the condition may not even be diagnosed until they suffer an aneurysm, dissection, or other critical event. Symptoms of FMD can include ringing in the ears, weakness or numbness in the face, neck pain, and vision problems.

To confirm a diagnosis of FMD, a doctor may order some combination of the following tests: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, or angiogram. There is no standard treatment for FMD, and any treatment to improve blood flow is based on the arteries affected and the progression and severity of the disease. Treatment options may include antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulant drugs to thin the blood, medications for high blood pressure, and angioplasty.

It is important to note that FMD is a rare disorder that often presents with hypertension or a stroke. The condition is best managed by an interprofessional team consisting of a radiologist, cardiologist, internist, vascular surgeon, and an interventional radiologist. Once diagnosed, patients may require angioplasty, but because of recurrence, long-term follow-up is necessary.