5.8cm thoracic aorta aneurysm

At 5.8 cm you are beyond the critical size and should be seen ASAP by a very experienced cardiothoracic surgeon, find one in a major medical center that has done many of these procedures. You should also find a cardiologist who specializes in aortic diseases, he/she will determine the follow up protocol.

I’m surprised your cardiologist did not raise a concern and referred you to a surgeon, that’s not right.

Hope everything goes well

I AGREE WITH HOUSTON 10,000%.

A 5.8 cm thoracic aortic aneurysm is large enough that it should not go unmonitored for a year. That size is close to or beyond the usual surgical threshold depending on where in the thoracic aorta it is located and your body size, age, and overall condition. Generally, once an aneurysm reaches around 5.5 cm in the ascending aorta or 6.0 cm in the descending aorta, surgery is typically recommended or at least seriously considered.

You should not wait a year for your next appointment. You need updated imaging—CT angiogram or MRI—so your cardiologist or a cardiac surgeon can determine the growth rate and decide whether it’s time for intervention. Rapid growth or symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a new hoarse voice require urgent attention.

I had an acute Type A dissection in 2015 that nearly took my life. It taught me that ignoring these things, even for a few months, can be catastrophic. Get a second opinion, preferably from a thoracic or cardiovascular surgeon who specializes in aortic disease. You deserve clarity, monitoring, and a plan—not silence. Peace.

@houston13
I wholeheartedly agree with houston13. I had a 6.3 cm aorta aneurysm & had an EVAR within 2 weeks. That was back in July. Scared was an understatement! I was 70 years young & never was a patient in a hospital until this hit me. Please do not hesitate to delay any surgery.
An aneurysm does not show any signs before it burst.
Make the necessary phone calls as it takes a while to get the prep work done.
God Bless🙏

@houston13 cardiologist said it was still small ,never told me anything about carrying anything heavy ,I found out by Google, but I will definitely say to my own practice doctor I still don't know much about it thanks for replying.

@maverick1791 whats EVAR ,I am 58 years old ,but even my own doctor said it was small not to worry about it,but I will be asking again ,cardiologist said the thoracic is huge and my aneurysm is small ,I still don't know much about having this ,thanks for replying.

@moonboy I am very ill with severe emphysema and recurring pneumonia for the last 2 years ,I was already slim but lost 2 stone but beginning to put weight on again,I've been chocking on food last 2 years also and eat alot soft food now ,I have had a cough for a long time now and I've to see my doctor tomorrow for sputum sample results and antibiotics don't seem to be doing much now,I will tell her I think aneurysm needs closely monitored, thanks for replying.

@komara
What is endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)?

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a procedure to fix an aortic aneurysm in the abdomen. It's called endovascular because a doctor repairs the aneurysm from the inside of the damaged blood vessel (the aorta). This is a minimally invasive procedure. Local or general anesthesia might be used but it is not a surgery.

Im not sure if you have the same type of aneurysm BUT a second opinion can’t hurt? It might be reassuring to know.

@maverick1791

EVAR may be possible in the descending aorta, but it isn't really an option for the ascending aorta and aortic root. Such procedures on the ascending aorta are very experimental an not common at this point.

@maverick1791 You are right …no signs before it dissects.
My husband had a >5.0 ascending thoracic and he was told to see a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. ( his father died 1965) and sister successful surgery 1993 )had aortic aneurysms.
He refused to continue getting CT ‘s and would not see surgeon.
His aorta dissected in 2007, he was alone at homehe grabbed phone as he fell down an called 911. Neighbor called me.. I met him at hospital… there was a cardiothoracic surgeon there.. They performed 10 hours of surgery….he survived, but he was out of it for several weeks. Had ICU psychosis and needed PT. for several more weeks as inpatient.
He came home and continued to improve….we had until this past January and then he collapsed and died peacefully from episode of V tach.
Don't ignore even if you are afraid… please

@komara I have to admit I am beyond surprised a cardiologist would refer to your aneurysm as "small", you should be closely monitored, your aneurysm is on the larger side. Mine was 5.2 cm when my surgeon recommended it should be repaired. I understand you have other comorbidities that could make your surgery risky, but all of those factors would be evaluated by a qualified surgeon, he/she would help you make the best decision based on all the risks. Please find a surgeon (and I would say a new cardiologist too) ASAP. All the best to you!!!