Fibromuscular dysplasia is a disease that causes renal artery stenosis, which leads to hypertension.

Etiology

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Fibromuscular dysplasia tends to occur in females between 15 and 50 years of age.

Pathology

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Fibromuscular dysplasia is characterized by fibrous thickening of the intima, media, or adventitia of the renal artery. The lesions cause narrowing of the artery lumen.

Hypertension

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As a result of renal artery stenosis, the kidney's afferent arteriolar pressure falls. The renin-angiotensin system is activated, causing fluid retention and hypertension.

Symptoms

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One of the symptoms can be a continuous headache. If this disease is not treated, usually the person will have a major stroke and die. In other cases, the person might have seizures.

Treatment

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Surgical revascularization, ACE inhibitors, and Angiotensin II receptor antagonists are used in the treatment of fibromuscular dysplasia. Usually a stent would be placed in the artery that is damaged.

Diseases