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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
Published on: October 22, 2014
[Fibromuscular dysplasia]
Agnès La Batide Alanore1, Jérôme Perdu, Pierre-François Plouin
1Unité d'hypertension artérielle, Hôpital européen Georges Pompidou, Paris Cedex, France. agnes.la-batide@egp.aphp.fr
Fibromuscular dysplasia is a nonatherosclerotic arterial disease affecting small- and medium-sized arteries, primarily in young women. It commonly impacts the renal and carotid arteries, potentially causing hypertension and cerebrovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Arterial Diseases
- Pathology
Context:
- Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare, non-inflammatory condition affecting artery walls.
- It predominantly impacts young women and can affect any artery, with a predilection for renal and internal carotid arteries.
- FMD is characterized by segmental stenosis, often described as a "pearl necklace" on angiography.
Purpose:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of fibromuscular dysplasia.
- To highlight the clinical manifestations and common arterial involvements.
- To discuss the potential complications arising from arterial stenosis.
Summary:
- Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is an idiopathic, segmental, nonatherosclerotic disease of the arterial wall's muscle layer.
- It leads to stenosis in small- and medium-sized arteries, frequently affecting young women.
- Commonly involved arteries include the renal and internal carotid arteries, leading to conditions like hypertension and cerebrovascular symptoms.
Impact:
- Enhances understanding of a rare arterial disease affecting specific demographics.
- Improves recognition of FMD's impact on renal and cerebrovascular health.
- Provides foundational knowledge for further research into FMD pathogenesis and treatment.
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