[Fibromuscular dysplasia as a cause of cerebral infarct]

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atheromatous, non-inflammatory, segmental arteriopathy of unknown etiology. Fibroplasia of the tunica media is most common. After the renal arteries, the carotid arteries are most frequently affected. Angiographically beaded and tubular stenoses are seen. Complete occlusions and spontaneous dissection of the carotid arteries occur. The angiopathy causes general symptoms such as headache and vertigo, but also recurrent TIA and ischemic cerebral infarction. We examined 15 patients (12 female) suffering from FMD and stroke. The diagnosis of FMD was based on angiographic findings in all cases. 13 patients made a good recovery and seven of them could be discharged from hospital without any neurological deficit. Apart from conservative treatment, primary percutaneous or operative angioplasty may be necessary in some cases in spite of the mostly benign outcome of the disease. Acetylsalicylic acid should be given in all cases.