Fibromuscular dysplasia: Details on symptoms, causes, and management options
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare but significant condition that affects the arteries, causing abnormal cell development and potential narrowing or tearing of the arteries. This disorder, while often considered benign, can progress unusually and may be difficult to assess accurately.
The most common recognized risk factors for FMD include female sex, especially women aged 40 to 60 years, smoking, genetic factors, and connective tissue diseases. Female sex appears to be a significant factor, with the majority of cases occurring in this demographic. Smoking has been identified as a risk factor that may contribute to the development of FMD, while a possible genetic predisposition or family history suggests a hereditary component. Connective tissue diseases, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type 4, cystic medial necrosis, and neurofibromatosis, indicate an overlap with underlying arteriopathies.
Diagnosing FMD involves a series of tests, including duplex ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, or arteriography. The diagnostic procedure, which typically lasts 1-2 hours, can be followed by a recovery period of 6 hours.
Treatment options for FMD focus on controlling risk factors, managing blood pressure, and preventing the restriction of blood flow to certain parts of the body. The most common treatment for FMD-induced narrowed arteries is balloon angioplasty. In some rare cases, a person may require a stent to help prop the artery open and reduce the chances of another blockage.
High blood pressure caused by FMD can be managed with a variety of medications, including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. If FMD causes arterial dissection, a doctor may treat it with anticoagulation medications.
It's crucial for individuals with FMD to monitor their blood pressure closely, stop smoking, get regular exercise, eat a heart-healthy diet, and seek emergency medical attention if they experience symptoms of a stroke. Complications of FMD can include renal artery stenosis, TIA, stroke, tinnitus, steal syndrome, and acute coronary syndrome.
Signs and symptoms of FMD depend on the affected arteries and may include high blood pressure, hematuria, abdominal bruit, dizziness, headaches, tinnitus, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, paresthesia, pain, steal syndrome, and symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. Acute symptoms of FMD can be treated using thrombolytics or a percutaneous thrombectomy.
While the exact causes of FMD are unknown, theories suggest a genetic link, hormonal influences, and a possible role for smoking. More research is needed to identify a direct link between FMD and associated disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Alport syndrome, pheochromocytoma, Marfan syndrome, and moyamoya disease.
In conclusion, understanding the recognized risk factors for FMD, such as female sex, smoking, genetic factors, and connective tissue diseases, is essential for early detection and effective management of this condition. Regular check-ups, lifestyle changes, and prompt medical attention can significantly improve the prognosis for those affected by FMD.
The medical field continues to explore the scientific connections between Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and other medical-conditions, such as hypertension and cardiovascular-health, given the potential impact on health-and-wellness. People with FMD often experience high blood pressure, indicating a link between this condition and hypertension, necessitating close monitoring and appropriate medication use.
