Successful Cutting Balloon Angioplasty in Renal Fibromuscular Dysplasia: A Case Report

Abstract

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory arterial disease that most often affects renal and carotid arteries in young women. This case report describes a 33-year-old female with symptomatic resistant hypertension refractory to multiple medications. An abdominal computed tomographic (CT) angiogram revealed mid to distal right renal artery stenosis with the classic 'string of beads' appearance, diagnostic for fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Following a successful percutaneous transluminal right renal angioplasty (PTRA) with cutting balloon without stent placement, the patient's blood pressure significantly improved, allowing for a reduction in medication. This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for Reno-vascular hypertension in young patients with resistant hypertension, as an early intervention with PTRA can lead to excellent clinical outcomes.