ascending aorta measurements variance

Imo, it's all subjective to who is doing the reading of the image. I've had this problem since 2012. One rad doc will see something one way, vascular sees it another. My doctor always measures himself.
Thank the good lord

The literature suggests variation across medical centers and recommends that one have your CT angiogram done at the same center each time to monitor growth.
Houston Methodist is a superb center for aortic aneurysms. I suspect they have equipment with superior diagnostic capabilities. It is very positive that you are going there.
Best wishes.

Thx for your input. If you don’t mind me asking, Did you personally find the size of your Aorta change all that much since 2012. Have you been able to stabilise it? If so, how did you do it?
I’m nearly 65, am 6’3”, and panicky and shocked that a recent check showed I had a 4.4cm measurement of the Root/Ascending aorta. A previous CTA in 2021 picked up a CAC score of 337 but no comment about the Aorta - either the Cardio at that time wasn’t looking at the Aorta at all or possibly it has expanded significantly in 3 years. I’m now on a Statin and BP meds.
Kind Regards Roger

I was told (by my CV surgeon) that there could be a variance as high as .3 cm in measurement depending on the imaging modality and the technician.

That seems like a cray-cray amount of difference to me. But I guess it would be like trying to get a waist measurement for your cat. Everything is moving continually. Are they measuring the exact same place everytime?

How did you end up getting the center at Houston to monitor your aorta? Was there any discussion about where to actually get the test performed? Are you getting a CT measurement? With contrast? Seems like a great situation for handling your dilation.

Fortunately, I was a patient there (for an unrelated issue) when I lived in that area so I reconnected with them for a second opinion when the AA came up. I still have a very good cardiologist locally (by coincidence trained in Houston) who is the main focal point for me. If/when i need surgery I would be going to Houston since they have more comprehensive facilities (at various hospitals) that do this surgery more often. The test has been done with contrast and without and sometime they also do an ultrasound. After the recent scans I am still on annual testing.

I was doing heart ultrasounds as part of a bi annual preventative heart check promoted by the company I used to work with. Was normal 3.5, 3.7 cm and then jumped to 4.0. I am not sure why the last year it stayed the same. I worked hard to lose about 25 lb and bring my blood pressure to 120/70 range (was told that is extremely important). I am also on blood pressure meds. They have told me to keep heart rate under 120, no heavy lifting/pulling (grunting) but to be active like walking. I used to road circle a lot in elevation and they told me to stop which I did. I went through the panic phase but feel ok now. I have a plan on what to do and where to go to have it done and from what they tell me they have good success record.

Hi was there much change in your reading from 2012 til today?
Sorry but I’m still lingering in panic mode
Cheers

My ascending aorta is fine hasn't budged.

Decending aortic aneurysm, is a different story it's gone from about 2.8 to 4.0 in that time, but everyone is different. I was told that operation at 5.0.

I have Marfan Syndrome which is a connective tissue disease that effects your arteries and veins, your vision (retna dislocation) lungs, and ligaments.

Thank you so much for the quick response; you’ve helped me get some much needed perspective and a better understanding, whilst acknowledging your comment about “everyone is different”.

I wish you the very very best in your journey.

Kind Regards