What combination of symptoms and traits would most likely suggest a case of arterial fibromuscular dysplasia?

• A. Chronic pain in older men
• B. Recurrent headaches in young females
• C. Difficulty in balance in elderly patients
• D. Leg swelling in pediatric patients

Answer: (B)

Arterial fibromuscular dysplasia primarily affects young to middle-aged women and is characterized by the abnormal growth of cells within the walls of arteries, leading to stenosis (narrowing), aneurysms, and other vascular complications. The condition is often associated with recurrent headaches, particularly due to the involvement of the carotid or vertebral arteries, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain or transient ischemic attacks.

Recurrent headaches are a common presenting symptom in cases of arterial fibromuscular dysplasia, especially in the demographic most affected by the condition—young female patients. This highlights the importance of considering vascular causes of headaches in this population, particularly if there are additional features such as hypertension or neurological deficits.

In contrast, chronic pain in older men does not align with the typical presentation of fibromuscular dysplasia, as the condition is less common in this demographic. Difficulty in balance in elderly patients might suggest other neurological or musculoskeletal issues rather than vascular problems. Likewise, leg swelling in pediatric patients could pertain to a range of conditions, including venous insufficiency or congenital issues, but it does not specifically correlate with arterial fibromuscular dysplasia. Thus, recurrent headaches in young females is the most