Ganesh Lab

Ann Arbor, MI

For Patients

Arterial Dysplasia Genetic Study

The purpose of this study is to discover and identify the genes that may play a role in how blood vessels change shape and size in dysplasia-associated arterial diseases. The dysplasia can cause stenosis, aneurysm or dissection. We are investigating how these changes relate to cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, stroke, heart attacks and more.

By understanding the genetic mechanisms of rare vascular diseases, we hope to gain insight into the cellular and molecular pathways responsible for disease. This knowledge is needed to develop therapies aimed at the abnormal arterial remodeling and structure in these diseases.

Arterial Dysplasia may affect the shape or structure of arteries, in conditions such as fibromuscular dysplasia, aneurysm, and dissection of aortic branch arteries. These include the renal artery, coronary artery, carotid artery, and others, leading to hypertension, stroke, heart attack and other presentations.

Any adult or child who has been diagnosed with a vascular dysplasia (abnormal cell growth or arterial shape) is potentially eligible for this study. Family members of individuals with vascular disease are also eligible for participation in the study. Diseases include: fibromuscular dysplasia, arterial aneurysms, arterial dissections (including spontaneous coronary artery dissection).

Once enrolled in the study, we will collect blood and/or saliva samples (a blood sample is preferred) for genetic testing. Approximately 4 teaspoons of blood or 2 teaspoons of saliva are collected. Along with this, you will be asked to complete two surveys. One inquires about personal health history, and the other asks about family health history. We also ask permission to review medical records. This allows us access to any testing or doctor’s evaluations related to your diagnosis.

To learn more about the study and how you can participate, please contact our Study Coordinator by calling (734) 232-5034 or sending an email to MichiganADstudy@med.umich.edu.

Arterial Dysplasia may affect the shape or structure of arteries, in conditions such as fibromuscular dysplasia, aneurysm, and dissection of aortic branch arteries. These include the renal artery, coronary artery, carotid artery, and others, leading to hypertension, stroke, heart attack and other presentations.

Adult Brochure
Pediatric Brochure

Clinic Information

University of Michigan Samuel & Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center



Cardiovascular Medicine appointments with Dr. Ganesh

Vascular Surgery appointments with Dr. Eliason

U-M Frankel Cardiovascular Center

C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital

C.S. Mott Renovascular Hypertension Center (Pediatric)
Specific conditions/diagnoses treated include:
    • Renal artery stenosis
    • Midaortic syndrome (abdominal aortic coarctation)
    • Arterial aneurysms
    • Lower extremity arterial disease
    • Intestinal artery (mesenteric) arterial disease

FMD (Fibromuscular Dysplasia)

Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America

SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection)

Vancouver SCAD Conference and Key Patient Resources
SCAD Alliance
Beat SCAD
SCAD Warrior App (created to help patients recover from SCAD)
Cardiology patient page. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Pediatric Arterial Dysplasia

C.S. Mott Renovascular Hypertension Center (Pediatric)
pRVH PCOR Collaborative (providing support and resources for patients with pediatric renovascular hypertension and their families)