Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is an under-recognized, non-atherosclerotic, and non-inflammatory arteriopathy that predominantly affects women and can involve multiple vascular territories. It commonly presents with hypertension, cerebrovascular events, or arterial dissections in otherwise low-risk individuals, yet diagnostic delays and management variability remain frequent....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
No actionable change for audiologists — fibromuscular dysplasia is outside audiology scope of practice, though awareness of its vascular manifestations (including pulsatile tinnitus) may support timely referral.
Fibromuscular dysplasia can present with pulsatile tinnitus and cervical artery involvement, making it a rare but important differential diagnosis that audiologists may encounter and should refer onward promptly.
- 01Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic artery disease primarily affecting women.
- 02Can involve renal, carotid, and vertebral arteries — territories relevant to audiology (e.g., pulsatile tinnitus).
- 03Ten clinical tips offered for diagnosis and management.
- 04Published as clinical guidance in Clinical Kidney Journal (2026).
- 05Minimal direct relevance to routine audiology practice but relevant to differential diagnosis.
Ten specific diagnostic and management tips are offered for fibromuscular dysplasia.
opinionpartially supported- PMID
- 42582701
- DOI
- 10.1093/ckj/sfag234.
- Journal
- Clinical Kidney Journal
- Publication type
- editorial
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Patients with fibromuscular dysplasia (expert opinion; no enrolled cohort)
- Intervention
- Diagnostic and management strategies for fibromuscular dysplasia
Primary outcomes
Diagnostic accuracy; Clinical management recommendations