1. < Aortic Aneurysms

Ascending Aortic Dilation - Ascending Aortic Aneurysm

Posted by rory @rory, Apr 2, 2018

I was diagnosed in 2012 with ascending aorta dialation of 4.1 cm. In 2013 no change. Finally went back to dr in 2017 and echo showed 4.3 cm. 2 months later dr made me have a chest scan which read 4.5 cm. which is correct? Echo or scan? Dr wants me to have another in 6 months. Very stressful.

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anniejam | @anniejam | Dec 29, 2018
In reply to @crhp194 "I had open heart surgery at Mayo for the ascending aneurysm which was not dissected, just..." + (show)
@crhp194

I had open heart surgery at Mayo for the ascending aneurysm which was not dissected, just large, and the arch was rebuilt but no valve replacement. Actually got along quite well thanks to a wonderful doctor there, Dr Pochettino. Again, best of luck to you!

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I think I am dissected. What does that mean? I will need open heart surgery whenever. Your testimonial is reassuring!

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1 reply
anniejam | @anniejam | Dec 29, 2018
In reply to @crhp194 "I had open heart surgery at Mayo for the ascending aneurysm which was not dissected, just..." + (show)
@crhp194

I had open heart surgery at Mayo for the ascending aneurysm which was not dissected, just large, and the arch was rebuilt but no valve replacement. Actually got along quite well thanks to a wonderful doctor there, Dr Pochettino. Again, best of luck to you!

Jump to this post

Thank you to crhp. What does dissected mean?

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crhp194 | @crhp194 | Dec 30, 2018
In reply to @anniejam "I think I am dissected. What does that mean? I will need open heart surgery whenever...." + (show)
@anniejam

I think I am dissected. What does that mean? I will need open heart surgery whenever. Your testimonial is reassuring!

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I wish I knew what dissected means but I do not. Mine was not dissected. Try the Mayo site itself to see if you can find the answer. Still, if you need open heart surgery, try not to worry. While unpleasant,
The surgery is not as bad as you might think. I recovered rather quickly after the 8 night hospital stay and qyuicly I was able to resume a normal life. We are lucky to have the surgery option that was not available many years ago. Best to you and a fast recovery!

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jan 9, 2019

Hi @anniejam and @crhp194,

Aortic dissection occurs in a weakened area of the aortic wall or when a tear develops in the inner layer of the wall of the aorta. This causes one or more of the layers of the wall of the aorta to separate, which weakens the wall of the aorta.
Having an aortic aneurysm increases your risk of developing an aortic dissection. Here is some more information from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-dissection/symptoms-causes/syc-20369496

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anniejam | @anniejam | Jan 9, 2019

Thanks! I received a copy of my echo and fortunately I am not dissected. I guess I will keep getting echos and watching and waiting and meanwhile living my life.

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twocents | @twocents | Jan 9, 2019
In reply to @anniejam "Thanks! I received a copy of my echo and fortunately I am not dissected. I guess..." + (show)
@anniejam

Thanks! I received a copy of my echo and fortunately I am not dissected. I guess I will keep getting echos and watching and waiting and meanwhile living my life.

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@anniejam good news for you! I had a CTAngiogram last August and my aneurysm had not increased in size. It's been at a 4.6 for a couple of years. I'm living my life and trying not to worry about it!

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anniejam | @anniejam | Jan 9, 2019

Thanks! I think I will end the stressful senior bus trips where I am not on my own schedule but I am going to be nicer to myself!

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randy1950 | @randy1950 | Jan 10, 2019
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @anniejam and @crhp194, Aortic dissection occurs in a weakened area of the aortic wall or..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hi @anniejam and @crhp194,

Aortic dissection occurs in a weakened area of the aortic wall or when a tear develops in the inner layer of the wall of the aorta. This causes one or more of the layers of the wall of the aorta to separate, which weakens the wall of the aorta.
Having an aortic aneurysm increases your risk of developing an aortic dissection. Here is some more information from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-dissection/symptoms-causes/syc-20369496

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@kanaazpereira is there an explanation of Ciliac aneurysm like this one on aortic aneurysm?

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jan 14, 2019

Hi @randy1950,

Celiac artery aneurysms are quite rare, but given that the celiac artery is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta, here’s some information about abdominal aortic aneurysms: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350688

There’s a great discussion on Connect, about celiac artery aneurysm which I’d sincerely encourage you to view: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/celiac-artery-aneurysm/

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mrmike | @mrmike | Jan 17, 2019

I guess I’m confused mine was 4.5 and my doctor advised to repair it. That was in 2015 and at a different facility in Eau Claire. Mine was large to the point that it had actually pushed the heart out of it cavity. Wished I would have the pictures yet it was very interesting. But now that I’m at Mayo they say not til it reaches 5.0 or greater. And Mayo said there procedure is less evasive. Boy I wish I had check first, but the doc that did mine was one of the many that teaches at Mayo so that is the confusing part. Good luck to you!

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