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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a condition in which at least one of your arteries has an abnormal cluster of cells growing in the artery wall. This cluster causes the artery to narrow, which can cause damage to the organs that receive blood through the narrowed artery. Fibromuscular dysplasia can cause a number of complications, such as high blood pressure and aneurysms, if left untreated.

Fibromuscular dysplasia appears most commonly in the arteries leading to the kidneys. Fibromuscular dysplasia can also affect the arteries leading to your brain, abdomen, arms, and legs. While there isn't a cure for fibromuscular dysplasia, it can be treated effectively.

References
  1. Fibromuscular dysplasia: Important facts you should know. Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America. http://fmdsa.org/files/FMDfactsheet2.pdf. Accessed July 7, 2008.
  2. Slovut DP. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of fibromuscular dysplasia. http://www.uptodate.com/index/. Accessed July 7, 2008.
  3. Plouin PF, et al. Fibromuscular dysplasia. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2007;2(28):1-8.
  4. Slovut DP, et al. Treatment of fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal arteries. http://www.uptodate.com/index/. Accessed July 7, 2008.
  5. Slovut DP, et al. Fibromuscular dysplasia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004;350:1862-1871.

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Oct. 30, 2008

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