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What makes ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms increase in size?
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Apr 28 8:24am | Replies (137)Comment receiving replies
My cardiologist said any increase in the size of my aortic aneurysm of at least .03 cm would be a concern. (My memory should be confirmed by checking with the American Heart Association). A CT scan should be done every 6 months to check for any growth. However, I had a CT scan in March 2026 where the size of aneurysm was 4.1 cm. A CT scan done the previous month in February 2026, the size was 4.8 cm. Additionally, a chest X-ray in November 2024 picked up the aneurysm size as 4.6 cm. How can the last scan in March show a shrinkage? It's not normal, is it? If anyone can explain, please let me know. In the meantime, my cardiologist asked a thoracic surgeon will look at the films of the March and February scans for an opinion.
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@ewei6911...Hello....
From reading here, you'll find out ct scan readings are most accurate, others not as much, BUT, it also depends on who reads it to evaluate size! Some use "inner diameter", others use "outer". Ultrasound/echo are also used, with possibly other resulting measurements. It's important to do the same scan procedure at the same facility for at least a few times to get a consistent and proper baseline. In my own case, I had a recent ct scan that was read by a radiologist at 4.9cm, and my cardiologist remeasured at 4.5cm. I'm having a "gated ct" to get a clearer scan picture next month for comparison, as recommened by Cleveland Clinic. A chest xray that you mentioned probably is the least accurate for measuring.