Aortic Ascending Aneurism - Share Growth Rate

Posted by Fighter @niravani, Jan 10, 2024

Hello Everyone, I look for any thread that talk about Aortic Ascending Aneurism with Bicuspid valve and its growth rate. I got diagnose by accident for Aortic Ascending Aneurism of 4.5CM at the age of 50 and have bicuspid valve as well. My next CT scan is in June 2024.

If anyone in the same boat or diagnosis, can you please share your experience with growth rate of this Aorta over time with bicuspid valve?

I will appreciate your input and help. Thank you.

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

hsminc | @hsminc | Jul 24 8:19am

In reply to @ewei6911 "@hsminc Any references you can provide would be greatly appreciated." + (show)

@ewei6911
See the above. Other writers have provided excellent information.

howudoin | @howudoin | Aug 5 10:20am

I have a 4.9 cm Ascending Aortic Anuerysm on July 28, 2026. In July of 2019 it was 4.5 but was never brought up because They found Thyroid cancer. January of 2025 it was 4.6. I had been working out hard lifting heavy and doing cardio the whole time. My surgery is scheduled for September 28 2026 at the University of Vermont Medical Center with Dr. Monica McDonald. Needless to say I have 2 Months of stressing over it ugh.

ctflyr | @ctflyr | Aug 6 7:03am

In reply to @howudoin "I have a 4.9 cm Ascending Aortic Anuerysm on July 28, 2026. In July of 2019..." + (show)

@howudoin....it's interesting that surgery is scheduled at 4.9cm when the general guideline is 5-5.5cm. Yes, the growth spurt you mention is notable, but would seem to warrant closer monitoring...scans... only. Do you have a clear understanding of why surgery is being done and the possible difficulties during and after? You might consider a second opinion from a high-volume aortic center like Cleveland Clinic or Mayo. It can be done quickly via the internet. Best wishes for your care journey!!

alymat | @alymat | Aug 6 9:14am

In reply to @ctflyr "@howudoin....it's interesting that surgery is scheduled at 4.9cm when the general guideline is 5-5.5cm. Yes, the..." + (show)

@ctflyr I agree for need of second opinion as most recommendations for surgery at greater than 5.5 cm diameter

howudoin | @howudoin | Aug 6 9:49am

In reply to @ctflyr "@howudoin....it's interesting that surgery is scheduled at 4.9cm when the general guideline is 5-5.5cm. Yes, the..." + (show)

@ctflyr well at what point does it rupture or dissect no one know unfortunately. Trust me I’m not thrilled about surgery but eventually it will need to happen. In the meantime I feel like I’m walking around with a timebomb’ Thank you for your feedback and suggestions.
Regards

retiredrn | @retiredrn | Aug 7 4:38am

In reply to @howudoin "I have a 4.9 cm Ascending Aortic Anuerysm on July 28, 2026. In July of 2019..." + (show)

@howudoin Wishing you all the very best for your surgery & recovery. When you're feeling up to it, please do let us know how you're doing.

retiredrn | @retiredrn | Aug 7 4:42am

In reply to @howudoin "@ctflyr well at what point does it rupture or dissect no one know unfortunately. Trust me..." + (show)

@howudoin Truer words were never spoken regarding "ticking time bomb" ! Just the other day, I had lunch with a friend who revealed that for the past decade, he's had a thoracic aortic aneurysm at 5.0. (I'm a 4.7 now). We spoke at length about all the pros and cons of surgery & the timing of when to have it. If only there were easy answers!

faith3337 | @faith3337 | Aug 7 7:02am

It all depends on your size height ratio as to determine when surgery is recommended I’m 5’2 so the surgeon won’t wait until 5.5 probably 4.8 or 5.0 for surgery

houston13 | @houston13 | Aug 7 11:19am

In reply to @faith3337 "It all depends on your size height ratio as to determine when surgery is recommended I’m..." + (show)

@faith3337 , There are multiple factors a surgeon may consider to recommend surgery besides the actual size of the aneurysm, the body size as you mention, the geometry of the aneurysm, family history, the health of the patient (they may recommend surgery if the aneurysm is of a relative large size, they believe it will keep growing and the patient's health may deteriorate in the future which may increase the risk during surgery for example). The 5.0 - 5.5 are guidelines but there are other variables

sarastewart | @sarastewart | Aug 9 5:54am

I am in the “same boat” or similar circumstances with you.

I have read that sometimes the growth rates speeds up as it gets larger and closer to the dissecting phase, so surgery can be a necessity sooner.

I’ve also been told that if you’re a physically shorter person, the ability to wait until 5cm is just not recommended as someone who is tall meaning short people have to have surgery sooner.

We’re all a little different.

Another example of our differences is that my own bicuspid valve may be shooting the blood up into my aortic root/ascending aortic arch at a different angle than yours. I also have the complication of not as strong heart tissue due to a connective tissue disease. I have a complication with an undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD).

I’m being told they do not want to wait until 5cm for me because my heart tissue may become more hardened and stiffer than normal due to my UCTD. They want to make sure they can so my heart back together, so waiting isn’t always beneficial.

Even though our diagnosis of ascending aortic aneurysm may be the same, we will all still have differences, so surgical timing is going to be different.

That’s why it’s crucial we are sure to be assessed/evaluated by our cardiology surgeons and we each go through the surgery at the best time for us personally.

I hope this information brings you comfort. As a Christian, I have the advantage of the power of Jesus bringing peace and comfort to me during this time of waiting. I pray for the same peace and comfort for anyone reading my post.