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← Return to Aortic Anyerism age 80’ s
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@cajsp
I recently learned I have an aortic aneurysm that measures 4.82 x 12.8 (in length?). A thoracic surgeon met with me and gave me those measurements from a CT scan. His staff submitted a swab from my mouth for a Genetic test. It will take 2-3 weeks to get the results. If its negative, he wants to do surgery ASAP, otherwise if results are not alarming, we have some more time because I am having dental work done that will be complete in early May. I am not happy with my cardiologist who is also my internist. She was aware that my aortic valve measured 4.6 in Nov. 2024 and never told me until this year at the end of January. At that time she described it as a dilated aorta and took 1 1/2 weeks to give the name of a thoracic surgeon to get an opinion. Yes, I am 81 years old and never had any serious health issues until now. Relieved to hear a gentleman in his 80s survived the surgery!
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@ewei6911
You need to go to a center and a CV surgeon that specifically specializes in ascending aortic aneurysms. Getting copies of all your medical records every time you see a physician can avoid these types of surprises - which are not good.
Your cardiologist was obviously "out of line" for not providing this information to you verbally - whether you saw her in clinic before or after your CT scan. However, that appears to be the way practices "practice" these days. It may be that she did not know what these numbers meant. That would not be unusual - even for a cardiologist.
There may also be some ageism here. I am 83 and my husband is 82. Although we are very active and many doctors are surprised at how old we are as they say we look much younger - 10 years younger, we still experience "ageism" -- which is implicit in Medicare payment suggestions -- i.e., "Do you want a mammogram? Colonoscopy? etc.? - these despite the fact that our age group and also people in their seventies are at much higher risk that younger people for these diseases. The excuse is that the cancers are not as aggressive.
Make sure the thoracic surgeon she is referring you to is experienced with aortic aneurysm. Call the office and ask questions. Also go to PUBMED and look at who is writing the articles and consensus guidelines. Where are they located and then ask for a second opinion at one of these centers. The latest consensus opinion two years ago was that surgeries could/should be done at 5.0 cm and the numbers were lower in certain subgroups.