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A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Fibromuscular dysplasia may herald symptomatic recurrence of cervical artery dissection

J M de Bray1, G Marc, V Pautot

  • 1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Angers, Angers, France. jmdebray@chu-angers.fr

Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 5, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is frequently associated with recurrent cervical artery dissection (CAD). Patients with FMD experienced a 1% annual rate of symptomatic CAD recurrence, often affecting different arteries.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Radiology

Background:

  • The relationship between fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and cervical artery dissection (CAD) is not well-established.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for managing patients at risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of recurrent CAD (stroke or TIA) in patients with a history of CAD.
  • To investigate the association between FMD and the recurrence of CAD.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 103 patients admitted for CAD.
  • Median follow-up of 4 years.
  • CAD diagnosis confirmed by imaging; FMD diagnosed via characteristic "string of beads" pattern on angiography.

Main Results:

  • Five patients (4.9%) experienced CAD recurrence, with 60% occurring late.
  • Four of the five patients with recurrence had FMD.
  • Recurrence involved a different cervical artery in four patients.

Conclusions:

  • The annual rate of symptomatic CAD recurrence was 1%.
  • FMD was frequently associated with recurrent CAD events.
  • These findings highlight the importance of screening for FMD in patients with CAD.
Abstract

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