The neurological implications of fibromuscular dysplasia

Fibromuscular dysplasia is a noninflammatory segmental disease of the arteries, of unknown origin. While the renal arteries are most commonly affected, other larger vessels, including the carotid and vertebrals, may be involved. Fibromuscular dysplasia has been implicated as a cause of stroke in adults and (on rare occasions) in children. The classic angiographic presentation is that of a string of beads. The condition frequently requires surgical or interventional radiological treatment. These approaches most commonly lead to long-term neurological improvement. Five cases with typical angiographic appearance are presented.