Overview
Definition
A non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory vascular disease causing abnormal cell growth in the walls of medium and large arteries.
Epidemiology
Prevalence ~3-4% of adults. Affects women in >90% of cases.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal influences
- Vessel wall ischemia
Clinical Symptoms
- Hypertension (due to renal artery stenosis)
- Pulsatile tinnitus ('whooshing' sound in ears)
- Headache / Neck pain
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- CT Angiography or MR Angiography showing characteristic 'string of beads' appearance of arteries
Management
- BP control (ACE inhibitors or ARBs)
- Antiplatelet therapy (Aspirin)
- Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty without stenting for symptomatic stenosis
Complications
- Renal failure
- Stroke
- Aneurysm rupture
- Arterial dissection