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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Multilevel Microdissection and Functional-Structural Profiling of Human Renal Arterial Branches
Published on: September 5, 2025
[Renal artery fibromuscular dysplasia]
Laurence Amar1, Arshid Azarine, Emma Carreira
1Université Paris-Descartes, 75270 Paris cedex 06, France. laurence.amar@egp.aphp.fr
Abstract:
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of idiopathic, segmental, nonatherosclerotic diseases of the musculature of arterial walls, leading to the narrowing of small and medium-sized arteries. The most common locations of FMD are renal arteries and carotid arteries. The diagnosis of FMD is made on the "string of beads" appearance of the arteries. The French Health Authority recommends performing a CT scan or an MRA to assess the diagnosis of FMD. A recent meta-analysis showed the cure rates using current definitions of hypertension cure are only 36% and 54% after angioplasty and surgery, respectively.
Insights
Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a condition causing artery narrowing. Treatments like angioplasty and surgery show limited hypertension cure rates, suggesting a need for improved therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a nonatherosclerotic arterial disease affecting small and medium-sized arteries.
- Commonly impacts renal and carotid arteries, leading to stenosis.
- Characterized by a "string of beads" imaging appearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of Fibromuscular Dysplasia.
- To highlight diagnostic modalities and treatment outcomes for FMD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and meta-analysis.
- Analysis of diagnostic recommendations from health authorities.
- Evaluation of hypertension cure rates post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Fibromuscular dysplasia diagnosis relies on characteristic "string of beads" imaging.
- CT scan and MRA are recommended for FMD assessment.
- Hypertension cure rates after angioplasty and surgery are suboptimal, at 36% and 54% respectively.
Conclusions:
- Fibromuscular dysplasia presents diagnostic challenges and heterogeneous outcomes.
- Current interventional treatments for FMD-related hypertension have limited success rates.
- Further research is needed to improve FMD management and treatment efficacy.
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