THE OLDEST REPORTED PATIENT WITH FIBROMUSCULAR DYSPLASIA OF THE RENAL-ARTERY

An 80-year-old woman was brought to the emergency department with acce lerated hypertension. Multiple medical regimens failed, including an a ngiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, which caused acute renal failu re. Results of a renal scan for captopril were negative; renal arterio gram revealed fibromuscular dysplasia of the right renal artery. Percu taneous transluminal angioplasty was successful in dilating the renal artery and making blood pressure easier to control. Although more comm on in younger people, fibromuscular dysplasia should be considered in patients who are elderly and have hypertension that is difficult to co ntrol. Transluminal angioplasty should be attempted to preserve renal function and control blood pressure.