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Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others
Aortic Aneurysms | Last Active: Dec 11 7:12pm | Replies (581)Comment receiving replies
I am 73. Had 4.0cm ascending aorta dilation on CT in 2015. In 2019 was 4.0 on ECHO. March of this year measured 4.8cm on ECHO, confirmed on CT. ( BTW, I was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis in 2015 which predisposes to aneurysm formation ). After the ECHO and CT in March, my cardiologist recommended repeat CT in 1 year. I'm nervous waiting that long and it seems guideline would suggest every 6 month monitoring at this size and rate of growth ( 0.8cm / 4 yrs = .2cm/yr. ). Is it time for surgical consultation? Comments?
Replies to "I am 73. Had 4.0cm ascending aorta dilation on CT in 2015. In 2019 was 4.0..."
@gdog. I have only read about aneurysms of the ascending aorta. I have a dilation but it’s only 4.3 cm. I don’t have much experience beyond reading and talking with a vascular surgeon. However, if I were in your shoes, I would consider a second opinion. Are you seeing a cardiologist or a vascular surgeon? The growth rate could be uneven if it hasn’t been measured along the way. When were you diagnosed with GCA? Is your cardiologist or vascular surgeon aware of the GCA? I believe the new threshold for surgery is around 5.0cm. Yet I am not a doctor and could be wrong. It’s what I have been told about my dilation.
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I would request a 6 month follow at that rate of growth. In May mine measured 3.5. My cardiologist sent me to a surgeon for a consult. He said it is the surgeon who decides when the repair needs to be done. I did go for the consult. It’s a complicated decision based on state of valves, growth rate, age of patient, etc. After that I decided to reach out to the Cleveland Clinic. Discovered they are in network for my insurance (I live in NC). My stress went down after making that appointment. I go to them next month. You need to drive the process and do what makes you feel comfortable. If you want to consult a surgeon, make the appointment.