What makes ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms increase in size?

Posted by wonderwoman1121 @wonderwoman1121, Jan 19 7:16pm

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

slarson14 | @slarson14 | Jun 27 9:48am

In reply to @scotty45 "A CT scan in May 2024 showed my AAA at 4.6cm. Another scan a few weeks..." + (show)

Depends on the anatomy of the aneurysm, not all aneurysms are the same. Some AAs come with an aortic dissection component that only the doctor/radiologist will be able to know about.

Both come in different shapes and sizes, most AAs come without a AD component; just depends on each individual case. Thickness and size of the artery wall is but one of many dimensions to be considered when assessing "danger" and what activities one would be safe doing.

That is the reason you are seeing conflicting views on this website.

If you are 80 and going strong, and trust your docs - you are your own person and can make rational decisions.

When and if an aortic aneurysm or dissection "goes" you will know it.

msturcken | @msturcken | Jun 27 11:41am

In reply to @msturcken "My aneurism as-sending arortic I have my yearly CT tomorrow. The last one was 4.1. It..." + (show)

My aneurism went from 4.1 to 3.9 in my last CT scan!!! It is no longer an aneurysm

scotty45 | @scotty45 | Jun 27 5:09pm

In reply to @slarson14 "Depends on the anatomy of the aneurysm, not all aneurysms are the same. Some AAs come..." + (show)

My surgeon told me that he doesn't act on a AAA until it reaches the same diameter as the patients spine. Apparently my spine is 5.5cm wide.
I'm sure the diameter of the spine is just a guide for him. I doubt it has any bearing on the actual condition of the aneurysm.

slarson14 | @slarson14 | Jun 27 6:56pm

In reply to @scotty45 "My surgeon told me that he doesn't act on a AAA until it reaches the same..." + (show)

Am sure each doc has his or her method and comfort level and expertise, exactly where the aneurysm is, etc.

Watching and waiting is very common. Hope yours goes well.

limeyinnc | @limeyinnc | Jun 29 7:51am

In reply to @booklover71 "Meanwhile back at the ranch I am concerned however my 4.3 has remained stable. I wear..." + (show)

Thank you for posting about Fluoroquinolones, I had no idea about the risks of taking it.

limeyinnc | @limeyinnc | Jun 29 12:46pm

In reply to @msturcken "My aneurism went from 4.1 to 3.9 in my last CT scan!!! It is no longer..." + (show)

If it's an ascending aortic aneurysm, they don't shrink, perhaps one of the readings on your CT scan was wrong.

msturcken | @msturcken | Jun 30 9:03am

Yes. I am just grateful it isn’t larger

tahi | @tahi | Jun 30 10:32am

J’ai 47 ans et j’ai eu une dissection aortique opéré en urgence, rien de prévu , rien de préparé. Cela a été un gros choc pour toute la famille, le pronostic vital était engagé, j’ai passé des moments très difficiles en réanimation et voir l’inquiétude dans le regard de mes proches était très triste.
Je n’ai pas eu la chance d’être diagnostiquée tôt, j’ai subit cette opération soudaine en urgence dans la nuit, après 6heures d’attente et les complications m’ont rendues paraplégique. Je suis en fauteuil roulant désormais.
Si j’avais su ce qui m’attendait, j’aurais sans doute préféré l’opération planifiée pour que tout se passe dans de bonnes conditions. Bon courage à vous.

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beverly48 | @beverly48 | Jul 3 10:06am

In reply to @moonboy "Look, I respect your religious beliefs and your belief in God. Nevertheless, God put doctors here..." + (show)

Moonboy you are so correct. The same God I pray to daily is the one who encouraged the practice of medicine. Why just bless me when I pray to you God. You are much wiser and use your docctors to perform your miracles; then both the doctor and myself receive your blessings. Correct again, aneurysm don't shrink or go away.

stents2 | @stents2 | Jul 3 12:39pm

In reply to @donnawhite "I have been watching my aneurysm for 5 years. It is theoretic aortic descending aneurysm ,..." + (show)

What type of food intake to keep 2.9 AAA from getting larger in an 82 yr old female?

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