A 32-year-old woman with hypertension has no atherosclerosis risk factors. Renal angiography shows a 'string of beads' appearance in the mid-to-distal renal artery. This finding is characteristic of:

• A Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis
• B Takayasu arteritis
• C Polyarteritis nodosa
• D Fibromuscular dysplasia ✓

Explanation

The 'string of beads' appearance is pathognomonic for medial fibroplasia, the most common type of fibromuscular dysplasia. It typically affects young women and involves the mid-to-distal renal artery. Atherosclerotic stenosis is proximal and occurs in older patients with risk factors. Polyarteritis nodosa causes microaneurysms. Takayasu arteritis involves the aorta and its main branches.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.