Which arteries are normally affected by fibromuscular dysplasia?

Which arteries are normally affected by fibromuscular dysplasia?

• A. Renal and mesenteric
• B. Carotid and vertebral
• C. Renal and carotid
• D. Cerebral arteries only

Answer: (C)

Fibromuscular dysplasia affects medium-sized arteries and is classically seen in the renal and carotid arteries. This pattern explains why many patients present with secondary hypertension from renal artery stenosis and sometimes neurologic symptoms from carotid involvement. The disease is non-atherosclerotic and noninflammatory, with media-related abnormal growth producing the characteristic “string of beads” on angiography due to alternating areas of stenosis and dilation. While other arteries such as mesenteric or vertebral can be involved, the combination most traditionally described and most predictive is renal together with carotid involvement.

Fibromuscular dysplasia affects medium-sized arteries and is classically seen in the renal and carotid arteries. This pattern explains why many patients present with secondary hypertension from renal artery stenosis and sometimes neurologic symptoms from carotid involvement. The disease is non-atherosclerotic and noninflammatory, with media-related abnormal growth producing the characteristic “string of beads” on angiography due to alternating areas of stenosis and dilation. While other arteries such as mesenteric or vertebral can be involved, the combination most traditionally described and most predictive is renal together with carotid involvement.