1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm 5.1cm- worried

Posted by shiju5 @shiju5, Nov 17, 2024

I received the diagnosis of a 5.1 CM ascending aortic aneurysm as an incidental finding after a visit to emergency on Sept 20, 2024 for a sudden back shoulder pain and chest pressure (which was unusual). My BP was at 140/97 , They admitted me and the ER nurse injected nitrogylcerin
and withing seconds I went to cardiac arrest. Code blue was alerted and within 3 minutes I was back. Troponin was tested, which was normal but still did Echo which was when they noticed this dilation and confirmed with cta of chest. I was send home with bp medications etc and saw cardiac surgeon who did genetic testing. Waiting for results. Right now am having severe cold, cough and headache with high BP of 155/101. Which medications are safe for this condition? The dr I consulted said coricidin otc . An worried as I dont know what caused my 5.1 cm dilation at age 48.

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shiju5 | @shiju5 | Jan 19 7:33pm
In reply to @mpenttila99 "I am glad to hear his surgery went well. Has he had any genetic results come..." + (show)
@mpenttila99

I am glad to hear his surgery went well. Has he had any genetic results come back? I am in a very similar situation. I am local to MN, so the Mayo is reasonably close. I have contacted the Aortic Clinic and hope to get a consultation soon. I had a chest echo for an unrelated issue, and they found enlarged ascending aorta. I had my chest c.t. scan on 1/14/2025 and it confirmed a 5.1 cm ascending aorta and a 4.7 cm aortic root. Cardiologist suspects underlying genetic disorder as I don't seem to have any other contributing factors. (i.e. 47 yrs old, good health, good cholesterol, no diabetes, non-smoker, reasonable blood pressure 116/75 average). The cardiologist and surgeon recommend having a repair in the near future. I trust them but am hoping to utilize the Mayo if possible, due to the specialization. Although I wouldn't wish this on anyone, it is comforting to know I am not alone in this. I have a very physical job and have already informed them of restrictions, to which they were very accommodating. I was scheduled to fly within the next 2 weeks and am now very concerned of doing so. Has anyone done much air travel pre surgery?

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Yes,the genetic results came back negative but the cardiologist suspects it should be genetics as they are still studying on it. He was also a non smoker, non drinker, active, working out. He had a physically demanding job which actually had his pressure rise which we were unaware. He travelled not knowing about this condition on a 21 hour flight, last year.
Always had headaches and back pain n brushed it off lightly until one day, sept 20,2024 it was too much for him to tolerate. That was when we rushed to ER and they accidently diagnosed with aortic root dilation of 5.1cm. We consulted 3 cardiologists, different hospitals. All had same opinion. Surgery. Like moonboy said, not everyone can be lucky as him. I get tears reading his story. I wish nobody has to go through this.

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mpenttila99 | @mpenttila99 | Jan 20 5:54am

Thank you for the response. Still early and very surreal at this point. Just trying to navigate through and gain information at this point.

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trki | @trki | Jan 26 2:58pm
In reply to @shiju5 "Hi, I thought I would update on my husband's condition who initially started this discussion. He..." + (show)
@shiju5

Hi,
I thought I would update on my husband's condition who initially started this discussion. He opted for an elective surgery. It was yesterday Jan 17th. That was a tough decision. The surgery went well. It was 4 hours. His valve was fine so the procedure he had was vsarr ( Valve sparing aortic root repair). Still in ICU with pain medications which is not helping much. Breathing without support. Pt came in to walk and made him sit on recliner for couple hours. Getting up and moving to recliner is a challenge. He is trying his best. Thank you for all the support from this group.

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I hope your husband is recovering well ! Good news that his valve was intact.

Did they find any genetic mutations?

My husband has a genetics consult next week. Trying not to be inpatient, but hope he gets tests and results quickly.

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1 reply
shiju5 | @shiju5 | Jan 26 5:07pm
In reply to @trki "I hope your husband is recovering well ! Good news that his valve was intact. Did..." + (show)
@trki

I hope your husband is recovering well ! Good news that his valve was intact.

Did they find any genetic mutations?

My husband has a genetics consult next week. Trying not to be inpatient, but hope he gets tests and results quickly.

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My husband is recovering. He takes short walks inside home and is eating better. Pain is much under control. Rarely takes tylenol.
No, they did not find any genetic mutations. It took almost a month for us to get genetic result.
Does your husband have same issue? My prayers with you both

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1 reply
trki | @trki | Jan 26 7:02pm
In reply to @shiju5 "My husband is recovering. He takes short walks inside home and is eating better. Pain is..." + (show)
@shiju5

My husband is recovering. He takes short walks inside home and is eating better. Pain is much under control. Rarely takes tylenol.
No, they did not find any genetic mutations. It took almost a month for us to get genetic result.
Does your husband have same issue? My prayers with you both

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Thanks…my husband has a 4.9 cm aortic root aneurysm ( 5.1 on Echo), as well as moderate to severe aortic valve regurgitation… gets his genetic consult next Thursday, then I assume tests will be ordered… he has many traits of Marfan syndrome…
We are hoping he has a genetic mutation so he can qualify sooner for surgery. His aneurysm grew 3 mm in four and a half months…so we are concerned..

It sounds like your husband is making a good recovery!
His providers were ok proceeding to surgery at 5.1 cm?

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