An Unusual Case of Stroke: A Case Report and Review of Current Literature

Abstract

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a non-atherosclerotic, non-inflammatory vascular disease. FMD once considered rare, is increasingly a condition recognised as an incidental finding. It is an important cause of stroke especially in younger, female patients and therefore a high index of suspicion is required. FMD has distinct pathological findings along with some pathognomonic angiographic findings (“string of beads” appearance). The mainstay of cerebrovascular FMD treatment is antiplatelet therapy but intervention with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is indicated under some circumstances. We present an interesting case of a woman in her 60 s who underwent extensive investigation to identify the underlying aetiology of her stroke.