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5.2 ascending aortic aneurysm- waiting for surgery (?)
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: May 31 8:29pm | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
I just had a Coronary CT Angiogram. It showed my ascending aorta at 4.3. cm. I found out by chance because of another issue from being in the ER for something else. I'm 63, retired and have never smoked one cigarette, no history of this in my family. I have always taken pride in watching what I eat, exercising, never had a weight issue. So all the factors that are listed as probable causes l have none. My question is l would like to know the coralation between having COVID twice and now this issue with my aorta. Research does show that COVID can cause inflammation of the heart.
Does anyone have any opinions on this
Replies to "I just had a Coronary CT Angiogram. It showed my ascending aorta at 4.3. cm. I..."
I again clarify, I’m not a Dr (but read and my son is a Med Student and i love to have conversations with him about medical subjects). In my mind there is a big difference between dilation and inflammation. Covid as other viruses can cause myocarditis which is an inflammation of the heart muscle, this is very different from a dilation of a vessel caused by the weakening of the vessel wall, in our case the Aorta (I also had a brain aneurysm so any artery can be affected). The reasons for the appearance of aneurysms are not all known, but genetics, high BP, smoking are contributors. In my case I also have a bicuspid aortic valve and those are known to raise the probability of developing aneurysms. I also never smoked or consumed any tobacco products, drink socially in moderation, exercised all my life, was otherwise in great physical shape and developed two aneurysms.
We may not know why they happened, but have to be glad we know we have it so that we can monitor it, take care of ourselves to minimize their growth or their impact in our lives, and make decisions about repairs when the time comes. A lot of people never get that chance.
As always all the best to all
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@concern, I too have never smoked a cigarette or been married to a smoker. A 4.9 cm ascending aorta aneurysm was found Dec 2020 when I was hospitalized for a couple weeks with Severe Bilateral COVID Pneumonia. I do have undifferientiated mixed connective tissue disorder. My aneurysm is now 5.4. I have so much lung damage from the COVID so Cardiothoracic Aortic Specialist is waiting until I am close to dissecting to perform surgery as I am at high risk for respiratory failure. So I don't know if it coincidental that the aneurysm was found while I was hospitalized & deteriorating or if the COVID caused the aneurysm. I had been bedfast sick with COVID for at least 7days before the ambulance took me to the hospital.