Fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal arteries

Although renovascular hypertension is less common than primary hypertension, it is important for clinicians to recognize this clinical entity because of its distinct pathophysiology and specific therapy. It is estimated that about 5% of the overall hypertensive population have renovascular hypertension. Whereas most renovascular lesions are caused by atherosclerosis, stenosis due to fibrous dysplasia is an important disease. In children and young adults, fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal arteries is the most common cause of renovascular hypertension. This review deals with the pathology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and therapy of renovascular hypertension associated with fibromuscular dysplasias.