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Abdominal aortic aneurism
I have an AAA of 4.8 and wondering if I should have a ct scan now having ultrasounds every six months my mother died when hers was 4.6 and I beleive that as a woman it could easily burst earlier my doctor isn’t very helpful either anyone in same position please
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Different position as yours but can relate, family history is a big factor in determining when and whether to have surgery, an experienced cardiologist should take that into consideration, just dismissing it is not right.
In my case I had an ascending aortic aneurysm that was found already at 5.2 and based on several factors including size, my body size, my general physical health and family history made my surgery fairly urgent. I also had a brain aneurysm that was 3mm, for brain aneurysm the threshold is around 5mm, so mine was relatively small, but due to my family history the neurosurgeon recommended I had it fixed.
There had been 2 documented deaths in my family from aneurysms (different places) and my brother has 3 brain aneurysms one of which bled twice (he is lucky to be alive but now has disabilities).
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1 ReactionI have A3 (2007) and have a checkup every six months. Don't ignore these six months interval checkups because that's like playing "Russian Roulette." Don't drink or smoke! Limit fried foods and no process foods. You're fighting to stay "South" of 5cm.
My doctor found my abdominal aneurism maybe 8-9 years ago. The specialist at that time said they operate when it reaches 5.5 cm. (Since then I have had thoracic aortic surgery in the aortal arch in 2022 which is still at 4.6 cm because of where they clamped it and left part of it behind. It was too dangerous to go near the carotid artery.)
Regarding abdominal aneurism - mine is now 5.1. New surgeon says he would leave it until 6 cm, but if it reaches 5.6 cm I can decide for myself if I want to chance it at my age.
I guess what I'm trying to say is there seems to be no crystal ball or one-size-fits-all with aneurisms. It seems to differ based on the size, your specialist, your surgeon, your blood pressure, the location, and your age and health. I think if my mother had died of an aneurism rupture I would be concerned too. You definitely want to see a specialist, not just a GP. If this aneurism is new to you, you should want a CT scan every 6 months because of your history. Once they see if it is growing quickly or hardly at all, then maybe yearly scans are in order. A good specialist should allay your fears.