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What makes ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms increase in size?
I am a 68 year old woman, who considers myself in relatively good shape and health until I was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 months ago. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and now I am on medication which increases cholesterol, causes joint pain, and osteoporosis. In June 2024, I had a CT Scan with contrast due to the cancer and that was fine but I found out I had a 4.1 ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm, which caused me to freak out. My cardiologist had no concern, so I saw a Thoracic Surgeon who said since I’m short, surgery would be needed if it reached 4.5. Typically, they recheck in a year but since I was nervous I just had a CT Scan on 1/17/2025 w/o contrast. I just received the results today, is it really beneficial so see results populating in your portal before you speak to the doctor, not…. anyway… it is now 4.3 so it grew in 7 months. I retired to relieve stress, do Pilates, use my elliptical, increased my BP to 100 mg, I occasionally have a glass of wine or Cosmo at dinner once a week. I don’t have a good feeling about this and I’m trying to be positive but I’m really struggling today.
Are there any statics on how often aneurysms increase in size compared to no change? Are there any statistics on how many people who have surgery survive the surgery but die from complications, or life span after surgery.
I always look for a solution and not one to give up but not being able to fix this is making me crazy.
Also, it seems doctors have a cavalier approach because there really isn’t anything they can do, basically the odds are 50/50…maybe.
Any inspirational hope from anyone?
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Will do!! I've been doing a little research and though rare, Lyme disease, specifically Borrelia burgdoferi infection could potentially cause an aortic aneurysm. Lyme disease can cause an inflammation in the wall of the aorta (aortitis), which can lead to weakening and potential aneurysm formation.
There are case reports of mycotic aneurysms caused by Borrelia afzelii. Mycotic aneurysms are dilated blood vessels caused by an infection, typically bacterial, that weakens the vessel wall.
Lyme is under diagnosed and under treated. I don't think anyone who hasn't had lyme, realizes just how bad an infection can be. There are many people that may never have received the diagnosis, if their infection wasn't severe. I'm not sure, but there's a possibility that more aneurysms are caused by Lyme than are documented.
This is all on my ask the Cardiologist list when I go in April. 🙂
Sending well wishes and prayers!! Your measurement could vary due to the equipment, whether or not you had contrast, skill of the technician performing the study or interpretation by the radiologist. There are several posts on this site with people talking about the variations they've had with their measurements. I was just diagnosed at 4.2 cm in September, so I haven't had any further studies yet. I hope you can find a little peace in this. I was frightened initially, but I'm OK now. I'm grateful that I have the diagnosis and can make the changes I need to in my life. Take care!!!🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing and taking the time to reply. First time for me and am trying not to stress. I am making changes also. Sending well wishes and prayers to you.