Ascending aneurysm how fast do they grow?

Hey there. I'm a survivor of a complete Type A ascending aortic arch dissection. You're going to be fine. Just stay on top of your cardiologist and get a second opinion from a thoracic surgeon who has done lots of aortic repairs. Look for someone with gray hair. Depending on the current size of the aneurysm, they may just watch and wait. Otherwise, if they recommend surgery do it. You won't get the chance to do it is you have a complete dissection. I dissected suddenly at 50 years old. I barely survived and it was a real personal, medical, and professional disaster. If I knew in advance what was coming I would have done the surgery 100 times out of 100. For you: Just relax. No smoking, drinking, heavy lifting or running for now until you know where you're at. I am 9 years post-surgery and I am thankful for every day I have had since June 28, 2015. You're in good hands, but make sure you push your doctors to get appointments and stay in the city--don't get on any long-haul flights or go to the Boundary Waters right now. Stay within 30 minutes of Mayo or a Mayo-like facility where you live. An aortic dissection is incredibly painful and feels like someone is peeling the skin off of your back. It's sudden and you cannot wait to call 911. In short, relax. You'll be fine, but don't wait to get in ot the doc and don't hesitate to call an ambulance if you feel chest pain/back pain. And, tell you spouse today. He/She needs to know so that they can prepare. It's super stressful, but better that they're looped in before anything happens. Peace.

This is pretty fast growth - or it could be a function of the methods and equipment used to measure growth. Echos are notorious for not being “precise.”
You need to find a subspecialist cardiologist or vascular surgeon. Also you need an appointment with a surgeon that does lots of aneurysm repairs. Look at large well known medical centers with clinical, teaching, and research capabilities.
Best wishes,

The two comparisons where both Cat Scan with dye 6 months apart. This seemed fast to me too but report is calling it Mimimal ?? Thanks for the reply!!! Gonna call the surgeon soon!

I would get another test if you can afford it out of pocket to ease your mind. I do think the difference is within the margin of error in measuring. Were both tests done the same way? Frequently, there’s a difference between thoracic CT and echocardiogram.. in my case, the echo sometimes comes out smaller. I’ve had an few follow-ups since it was discovered. my first one was 4.2 on CT, the second was 4.1 on an echocardiogram, the third was 4.2 on a CT, and then again 4.1 on echocardiogram. As far as I know they don’t shrink and my last CT scan showed me a 4.0 so that’s a .2 difference and I think it falls within the margin of error because they were calling my aneurysm stable. I think you need another test because if it is actually growing quickly, that could be a problem, but on the other hand, it could just be the way someone read the scan . I would insist and pay for another test like three months out because of it growing .2 cm in six months. all I know is peace of mind and low blood pressure is important to help keep it from growing

I'm still patiently waiting for my surgeon to follow up with me. Both test where with Contrast dye CT so both done the same way. I'm here in Canada and as far as I know the CT's are free. I'm definitely going to insist on at least 6 months for my next CT. It's hard to figure out if that's fast because some literature says its normal growth. I do have bicuspid valve as well and family history. Thanks for replying! I do appreciate it. I'm glad your aneurysm is stable, I pray it stays that way!!

I have a cardiac surgeon and he's old, so lots of grey hair. lol I'm Canadian , in the New Brunswick. My heart center is about 1.5 hours away. I don't smoke or drink. I do exercise moderately and lift light weights. I bought myself a medic alert bracelet, just in case. Relax is hard, I'm feeling very consumed by this whole situation . I know stress is a killer and I understand that now more then ever. Husband knows the deal.

Although your aneurysm seems to be growing rather quickly, it is not in the danger range just yet and a subsequent test will give you more information -- is it really growing or is it a difference in how the test is read? As I understand it, repair of the aneurysm is not considered until it reaches the 5 cm size.

I've had an ascending aortic aneurysm for 16 years and it has grown from 3.8 to 4.2. But various current testing shows it is now 4.2 or 4.3 or 4.1. And my cardio tells me these differences are not significant.

I know it is hard to relax when you are first diagnosed with an aneurysm but do recognize you are far from the danger range and if the aneurysm is fast growing, your doc will keep a close eye on it and schedule repair at the appropriate time -- with plenty of time for you to get to the hospital for the procedure.

I am on blood pressure drugs to keep the pressure low and I am restricted to lifting no more than 25 lbs.

I wish you good luck and a slow growing aneurysm.

Donna

I sure hope you’re right ! It is very stressful! My Blood pressure is good ! That’s a plus , no meds yet. I do have a weird carotic artery in a different place ?? I guess this happens which I find strange ??

Hi Glenda. Fellow N.B.er here. I too have a Bicuspid Aortic Valve and the latest echo revealed an ascending aorta dilation increase from 4.0 to 4.4. The GP that shared the results told me to keep riding flatland BMX ( ground tricks on a BMX) yet I found out the other day that wasn’t ideal advice as a friend who works with a team of cardiologists in Halifax had them read my latest report and watch a video of me riding and they recommend being seen by the team in SJ ideally every 6 months and absolutely no BMX flatland…after 36 years of riding it’s certainly hard to retire from it. The latest report was completed by an internist in the Bathurst area and it said yearly. However, the point is get to SJ for the consult and have that team monitor. That’s what the cardiologist team from Halifax told me and that’s my plan. I have to talk to my GP and likely the internist for the referral. Since we seem to have the same ailment at the same stage of dilation perhaps it’s prudent to follow the same course of action. Be well.

Hey !! Thanks for reaching out!! I’ve been at St John heart Center and meet with Dr Craig Brown cardiac Surgeon. He sent me for a 6 month CT scan and it’s come back at 4.4 . So I’m patiently waiting to hear what he has to say. Hubby asked me today if I wanted to go jet skiing and all I could think about is falling off . So I declined . This uncertainty really sucks!!!! Let me know how you make out once you have your appt in St. John . Be well!!!