The Coexistence of Fibromuscular Dysplasia of the Renal Artery and Graves’ Disease in an Adolescent: A Case Report

Abstract

Here we present a rare case of an adolescent with hypertension, concurrently diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal artery and Graves’ disease. Although fibromuscular dysplasia and Graves’ disease have distinct pathogenic mechanisms, it is possible to infer the potential correlation between the two from the perspective of vascular involvement. It is believed that transforming growth factor-β, as the shared element of both diseases, may contribute to their development and progression. The overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system in Graves’ disease may induce hyperplasia of vascular smooth muscle cells, similar to that observed in fibromuscular dysplasia. In Graves’ disease, the excessive synthesis and secretion of angiotensin II due to the overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system, along with the up-regulation of angiotensin II receptors, may also induce pathological changes in the vasculature throughout the body. In this regard, exploring the correlation between fibromuscular dysplasia and Graves’ disease is of significant clinical importance.