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Aneurysm of the ascending aorta
I'm a 68-year-old male in good health. I take medications for high blood pressure. On 3/1/22 I had a CT calcium scan and the aorta measured 4.4cm. On 9/21/22 I had an echocardiogram and the aorta measured 4.75cm. On 9/16, 2023 I had another echocardiogram and the aorta measured 4.8cm.
My father had an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and at the age of 60 was operated on successfully in 1986. At the age of 70 (1996) he was operated again for an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and the operation was not successful.
My paternal grandfather dropped dead at the age of 50. Cause of death was related to heart issues.
My cardiologist said it was good news that my aorta did not dilate significantly (i.e. from 4.75cm to 4.8cm vs. 4.4cm to 4.75cm). I'm going to have an MRA in March and thereafter meet with a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Considering there is a history of aortic aneurysms in the family am I looking at having surgery sooner than later (i.e. this year) or can I monitor the growth until the aorta measures above 5.0cm which seems to be the threshold for operating. Thanks
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I am a 63 yo female that was just diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm 4.1 cm. I am very nervous as it seems like it did not show up in tests last year (I am still trying to verify that). My grandmother had them and my father had surgery twice for one in his abdomen, so yes, I am nervous. Had an echo on Monday and waiting on the results. Love being outside and gardening, lifting things I shouldn't and working in Florida heat all day. This has really put a dent in that kind of lifestyle. I overthink everything I do and pay attention to every little flutter in my chest. Been told 4.1 is small, but it seems to have appeared out of no where, and that bothers me even more. Saw on my Dr.'s notes she is going to refer me to a CT surgeon. Just venting I guess, but has anyone had the surgery for this? and how was your life after? Thank you in advance. . . .
You're going to be fine. Now you know you have a problem and that eliminates 95% of the risk because you're going to care for yourself and listen to your doctors. I would get to see a thoracic aortic surgical specialist in a major metropolitan area that does high thoracic aortic work. There is no substitute for a good thoracic surgeon. Who knows what she or he is doing. Not an interventional cardiologist because all they do are stents and the problem you have is ultimately going to have to be repaired by surgery if it gets to 5.0 cm or so, depending on your age, size, and sex. I had a complete type a one ascending aortic dissection in 2015. I just got back from a Costco run and I'm doing great. You're gonna be fine but you need to get in to see your thoracic surgeon and get a CT scan. They're going to order regular scans going forward to monitor its progression. Peace.
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1 ReactionThank you for replying. I did have the CT scan. They were doing one for my lungs and saw the aneurysm. I will def keep in mind the suggestion for the cardiologist.
Thoracic surgeon specializing in aortic repair. Look for one who has been a surgeon for at least 25 years and is at a teaching University if possible. Peace.
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