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Repeat CT Scans results...

Posted by hercules @hercules, 4 days ago

Has anyone ever had something like this with their CT Scan results..
I've had:
Chest CT Scan done Oct 2022 for Cardiac Calcium Scoring. The report said Thoracic Aorta: No Aneurysm.
Echo Cardiogram done Feb 2023 for heart palpitations. The report said Ascending Aorta measures 3.74 cm
Chest CT Scan done Sept 2024 for Lung Cancer Screening. The report said Thoracic Aorta: Dilated Ascending aorta 3.92 cm
Chest CT Scan done January 2025 to follow up on lung nodules. The report said Thoracic Aorta: No Aneurysm.

These scans were all done at the same radiology center at same hospital. I am sure they have my previous scans to refer back to as several of these tests are follow up scans from previous issues. Why if the same place makes a point to note the measurements of a dilatation of any part of the aorta on one scan not bother to list the measurement of same in the very next scan? It's very frustrating to me and seems like that should just be a given. I don't know if this is common practice or what... This serial imaging and monitoring conditions stuff is fairly new to me but not very helpful coping with anxiety when there is no consensus or consistency to rely on in the reporting, language used, etc. Thanks for your insights.. Wishing you all good health!

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moonboy | @moonboy | 4 days ago

So I get an annual CT scan with contrast at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis. I go to the same imaging center and get in the same machine every year for the past nine years. I think it really helps to compare apples to apples in terms of using the same diagnostic imaging center and the same Technology consistently. The problem of course is that you get individual radiologists and technicians who do things a little differently each time and so your results are going to be a little bit different. The most important part is to get consistent scans and not panic if they vary by one or 2 mm. That’s been pretty typical in my experience. Initially I got scans every six months for the first five years after I dissected. There were constant differences and the variability comes from 1 million different things that you can’t wrack your brain over. The fact that you’re getting scans consistently is important, but try to get them scheduled with the same docs in the same Location using the same technology if that’s implicated. Good luck, and I understand your frustration. Recognize that it comes from your desire to control something that you can’t control other than to keep your blood pressure down, keep your heart rate down, and keep your stress down.. Trust your medical team. Peace.

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1 reply
hercules | @hercules | 4 days ago
In reply to @moonboy "So I get an annual CT scan with contrast at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis. I..." + (show)
@moonboy

So I get an annual CT scan with contrast at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis. I go to the same imaging center and get in the same machine every year for the past nine years. I think it really helps to compare apples to apples in terms of using the same diagnostic imaging center and the same Technology consistently. The problem of course is that you get individual radiologists and technicians who do things a little differently each time and so your results are going to be a little bit different. The most important part is to get consistent scans and not panic if they vary by one or 2 mm. That’s been pretty typical in my experience. Initially I got scans every six months for the first five years after I dissected. There were constant differences and the variability comes from 1 million different things that you can’t wrack your brain over. The fact that you’re getting scans consistently is important, but try to get them scheduled with the same docs in the same Location using the same technology if that’s implicated. Good luck, and I understand your frustration. Recognize that it comes from your desire to control something that you can’t control other than to keep your blood pressure down, keep your heart rate down, and keep your stress down.. Trust your medical team. Peace.

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Thank you for your reply! I was thinking the same thing that its just different radiologists interpreting and reporting using varying terms and language. As long as they are seeing no growth I am happy! I will stay on top of my scans for sure but will try to figure out a way to deal with the scanxiety that comes with each one better as well because I know that 1. the anxiety won't help anyway 2. lowering stress could actually help keep the condition from progressing as well. Wishing you good health!

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moonboy | @moonboy | 4 days ago

Think of it this way: If there is a serious issue shown by your scan, they will not let you leave the hospital. I dissected fully in 2015. It was sudden, totally unexpected, and ruthlessly excruciating. Three weeks in a cardiac ICU with two weeks in a coma. Not good. No fun. Don't let it happen to you. You are smart to stay on top of your scans, but more importantly, you should be having them reviewed by a consulting thoracic surgeon. Right now. No one else's opinion matters in that hospital. They are the ones who have to get in there and fix it. Peace.

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marylou78 | @marylou78 | 4 days ago

I believe it is only considered an aneurysm at a larger size. My ascending aorta is 4.3 and even at that size it seems like some Dr's say aneurysm some say dilation

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pamela78 | @pamela78 | 3 days ago

You have legitimate questions. You need to ask your doctors for a fuller explanation. I've learned more from this group than from my doctors. Don't assume they have everything covered if you're not sure. You have the right to know.

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