Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others

Welcome to the Aortic Aneurysms group on Mayo Clinic Connect.

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta. The aorta begins deep in the heart as it emerges from the powerful left ventricle, gently arching over the heart, descending into the chest, and finally into the abdomen. Some aortic aneurysms can be harmless; others can lead to catastrophic problems. I invite you to follow this group and connect with others, share experiences, exchange useful information, and learn about aortic aneurysms.

Get started rby clicking the +FOLLOW icon on the group page here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aneurysms/

There are some great conversations going on right now that I think you’ll like. Grab a cup of tea, or beverage of your choice, and lets chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

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

@perkman66

Hello,
I am 62 years old male 6'1" 200lbs. I was recently given a CT scan to check my lungs. Former light smoker, quit 10 years ago. Lungs okay but found borderline dilated ascending aorta of 4.0cm on CT scan results.
I get conflicting info. I was told 4.0cm is high normal for my age. I have normal bp and work out 5 days a week, running and light weight training.
Should I get a thoracic surgeon now? Is my 4.0cm dilation in normal range?
Anybody know excellent thoracic surgeon in Phoenix area. Mayo clinic local but don't
seem to see much for local surgeons.
Is Tevar procedure technology at level it can be used instead of OHS.
Sorry for the long post. Thank you for letting me join the forum.

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@perkman66 I think you are worrying too much about this aneurysm. (I know, the diagnosis is absolutely shocking!) Don't look for a surgeon but do find a well regarded cardio MD to monitor the size of the aneurysm. The cardio will keep an eye on how fast the aneurysm is growing, if at all, and will advise you if you need to find a surgeon and will probably have some good recommendations as to whom to see. Unless your aneurysm is quite unusual in the rate of growth, you may never need to find a surgeon.

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In reply to @anniejam "What is AVR?" + (show)
@anniejam

What is AVR?

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Aortic valve replacement.

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@degarden_girl

@perkman66 I think you are worrying too much about this aneurysm. (I know, the diagnosis is absolutely shocking!) Don't look for a surgeon but do find a well regarded cardio MD to monitor the size of the aneurysm. The cardio will keep an eye on how fast the aneurysm is growing, if at all, and will advise you if you need to find a surgeon and will probably have some good recommendations as to whom to see. Unless your aneurysm is quite unusual in the rate of growth, you may never need to find a surgeon.

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That is good, accurate and encouraging information.

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@ringyou57

5.0 is the normal range for surgery... I also have one at 4... 3 months ago I had AVR, and they did nothing about the anurism... said it's not big enough...

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@ringyou57 Wow, that is great that they did the AVR and felt the aneurysm was too small to repair. So often the valve replacement and the aneurysm are repaired at the same time.

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I was recently diagnosed with a 4.6 cm thoracic aneurysm. I have a medical background and have been doing a lot of research. I’m happy to have the Mayo Clinic not too far away and will be followed there.

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Thank you for this connection. AAA noted 14 years ago on CT scan at a 2.5. Now I’m at 4.4! Scared to death. Followup next April with new vascular surgeon. I’m 74........will I see 75?

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@juds

Thank you for this connection. AAA noted 14 years ago on CT scan at a 2.5. Now I’m at 4.4! Scared to death. Followup next April with new vascular surgeon. I’m 74........will I see 75?

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Anxious for reply

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@juds

Thank you for this connection. AAA noted 14 years ago on CT scan at a 2.5. Now I’m at 4.4! Scared to death. Followup next April with new vascular surgeon. I’m 74........will I see 75?

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Yes, quite sure you will see 75. Most doctors will not operate until it is a 5 as there is usually no danger until then. I had open heart surgery at Mayo because mine was over 5. Found out accidentally that mine was a 5+. Yours is growing very slowly. Best to you and no need to worry for now.

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@crhp194

Yes, quite sure you will see 75. Most doctors will not operate until it is a 5 as there is usually no danger until then. I had open heart surgery at Mayo because mine was over 5. Found out accidentally that mine was a 5+. Yours is growing very slowly. Best to you and no need to worry for now.

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Thank you so much chrp194. Happy you’re doing well.

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@crhp194

Yes, quite sure you will see 75. Most doctors will not operate until it is a 5 as there is usually no danger until then. I had open heart surgery at Mayo because mine was over 5. Found out accidentally that mine was a 5+. Yours is growing very slowly. Best to you and no need to worry for now.

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Thank you! Glad you’re doing well.

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