Aneurysm of the ascending aorta

Posted by topean @topean, Feb 22, 2023

I'm a 68-year-old male in good health. I take medications for high blood pressure. On 3/1/22 I had a CT calcium scan and the aorta measured 4.4cm. On 9/21/22 I had an echocardiogram and the aorta measured 4.75cm. On 9/16, 2023 I had another echocardiogram and the aorta measured 4.8cm.

My father had an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and at the age of 60 was operated on successfully in 1986. At the age of 70 (1996) he was operated again for an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and the operation was not successful.

My paternal grandfather dropped dead at the age of 50. Cause of death was related to heart issues.

My cardiologist said it was good news that my aorta did not dilate significantly (i.e. from 4.75cm to 4.8cm vs. 4.4cm to 4.75cm). I'm going to have an MRA in March and thereafter meet with a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Considering there is a history of aortic aneurysms in the family am I looking at having surgery sooner than later (i.e. this year) or can I monitor the growth until the aorta measures above 5.0cm which seems to be the threshold for operating. Thanks

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

andytheman | @andytheman | Feb 24, 2023

In reply to @dablues "That answer he gave you is why I no longer trust many doctors." + (show)

I have MyChart with all my labs and several hospitals linked together and I will check diagnosis and doctor notes. Good. I always do a cursory glance at my hospital visits but I will look closer for any hints of possible related issues.
Andy

booklover71 | @booklover71 | Feb 25, 2023

I was never assigned to a Cardiologist, and of course, I am second-guessing after reading about those of you who have a PCP and a Cardiologist even though I am monitored by a Thoracic Team. An Internal Medicine doctor was the one who sent me for an Echo and the Transthoracic Echocardiography report recommended the doctor schedule a CT chest for evaluation of the size of the ascending aorta. After the test, I was notified and spoke with a member of the Cardiothoracic team who stated I was 4.1 not 4.3 as originally marked on the test. I would be "under surveillance" and my follow-up was EKG Gated CTA chest in 2 years as per Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) Regional guidelines. I feel good as my PCP has me on low-dosage Atorvastatin and Amlodipine. I am 71, and walk on the treadmill every other day, 1 mile at 2.0 which is the doctor's recommended amount, and no lifting over 30 lbs especially since I am healing from Costochondritis.

cyndip1122 | @cyndip1122 | Mar 2, 2023

In reply to @andytheman "Ok. Thanks. I will see him Monday and get more information about my situation (if anything)...." + (show)

Call the trauma center and ask for health information management. Tell them you would like a copy of everything in your chart from that timeframe. You’ll have more answers. There’s usually information I’d never think to ask. Also, when a physician blows me off and makes me feel like an idiot, I find a new physician. By both word of mouth and internet reviews. Hope all goes well.

andytheman | @andytheman | Mar 2, 2023

Thanks for the advice but I belong to MyChart, a hospital portal where you can connect all hospitals, some labs, and pharmacies and clinics all together and you can pick and chose anything you want.

Problem is that my cardiologist has no portal and even my dentist is in the portal. My cardiovascular surgeon doesn’t have one.

jeffcon680 | @jeffcon680 | Sep 4 8:48pm

Lol after everybody my name is Jeff back in January of 2023 a CT scan accidentally found my abdominal aorta aneurysm at 3.5 cm so check that the following January and it was also 3.5 cm move on to the next January 2025 and it now was 4.2 cm growth of seven millimeters in one year in June of 25 I started having severe pain in my hip and right side and down my leg radiating nine pain like a dog shooting on a bone and I went to the ER they did a CT scan and and now measures 4.9 cm which is the same growth in 6 months as it was the previous year therefore it is an a rapid growth. For some reason and it is squeezing on my spinal cord causing nerve encroachment to my legs and my hip and my upper rib cage and up to my armpit and shoulder has anybody else had any experience with this happening to them out there having a problem with finding a good surgeon and also a good hospital I know it's time for surgery I'm trying to get a trouser stent due to the fact that my aneurysm is in the why of my aorta. I think a prophylactic approach to this with a stent would be way better for my recovery time and longevity I'm 61 years old and no family record of having this issue any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated or if anyone's experienced anything like this pain that I'm having it's a brutal pain there's no sleep at night there's no rest at all but of course they don't give you any pain meds anymore so give you a 7-Day bout and that's it and you're done for the year from what I've been told from my PCP so any input would be greatly appreciated thank you and have a great night

jeffcon680 | @jeffcon680 | Sep 4 8:50pm

In reply to @jeffcon680 "Lol after everybody my name is Jeff back in January of 2023 a CT scan accidentally..." + (show)

By the way that was not supposed to say LOL that was supposed to say hello

chebo1954 | @chebo1954 | Sep 6 10:58am

In reply to @jeffcon680 "By the way that was not supposed to say LOL that was supposed to say hello" + (show)

Well Jeff, Welcome. You’re already on the right track as this is a great group of intelligent and understanding individuals. Ya need to get a damn good cardiologist next and Mayo probably got the best this country has to offer, and ya need to find someone who empathizes with your pain and is not afraid to keep you supplied with a good pain medicine and a 30 day supply at a time til they can figure out how to fix you up so you hopefully will be able to function without it which may or may not be the case. One can only hope, but I think that would be the best place to start. My name is Robert and I hope this will be of some use to you. Again, welcome!

lori555 | @lori555 | Sep 7 2:42pm

I am surprised that your doctor would go by readings from echos as they’re so unreliable for measurements! I very glad that you’re going in for an MRA!!

lori555 | @lori555 | Sep 7 2:46pm

In reply to @booklover71 "I was never assigned to a Cardiologist, and of course, I am second-guessing after reading about..." + (show)

My thought is you’re in good hands, and probably will not have worries about your aneurysm in the future. I’m 70 and mine is 4.5.. I plan on smooth sailing!!!