Ascending Aortic Aneurysm with Bicuspid Valve

Posted by Fighter @niravani, Jan 3 10:18am

I have accidently diagnosed with Ascending Aortic Aneurysm through a CT test in December 2023. Post TEE test confirmed that I have bicuspid valve as well. My ascending aorta size in CT scan is define as 4.4 X 4.5. I am 50 years of age and overall healthy with daily workout (Aerobic exercises). I do not know of anyone in my family with this condition from genetics perspective. Cardiologist asked for another CT scan in 6 months to see the growth rate and define next steps.

My BP remains in overall good control (AVG 125/83).

1. Anyone have similar experience and how fast that Aorta size will increase over time?
2. Once this size becomes 5.5 and surgery is the only option, what are the risk for 50 year old male?
3. Is there anything I can do that can help reduce or eliminate this speed of Aorta growth?

This is certainly a concerning discovery but at least happy that I found out before it was too late!

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

@niravani

I really appreciate your response. I have my cardiologist appt on 1/18 where I will ask bunch of questions. He is very good and supportive.
I am just wondering as how long will it take for my 4.5cm to grow to 5.5cm? Especially with bicupsid valve.
My BP remains 125/83 and overall healthy with daily workout. I used to do 1 hour full cardio at 170 heart beat and I slowed that to 136max heartbeat and stop lifting weights as well.
They are going to do my 22 year old son ECO Cardio next week to verify if he has bicuspid valve due to genetics or not.
Where did you did your surgery?
Again, I appreciate you took time to provide your experience and providing me with much needed comfort.

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Here's one thing that got me upset
The cardio nurse went over stress test and echo scan
So were kinda going great its only 4.3
Big wrong I called cardio surgery nurse , No its 5.0
so I was in a good mood for a day , Then back to damn its 5.0 not 4.3
so you can't trust echo scans

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@elvisnash

Here's one thing that got me upset
The cardio nurse went over stress test and echo scan
So were kinda going great its only 4.3
Big wrong I called cardio surgery nurse , No its 5.0
so I was in a good mood for a day , Then back to damn its 5.0 not 4.3
so you can't trust echo scans

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I agree. I had CT Angiogram Coronary with contrast for screening as first test where they detected 4.5cm ascending Aortic Aneurysm. Then they did ECO Cardiogram to check for Bicuspid valve and that show 4.2CM but my Cardiologist say, CT is the gold standard and accurate.
They can’t find conclusive that if I have bicuspid valve so they also did TEE procedure and confirmed that I do have bicuspid valve and that diameter for Aorta is 4.5cm.

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@houston13

I don’t know how fast my aneurysm grew, they found it by chance as I was being prepped for leg fracture surgery already at 5.2 (in late 2019). Based on my surgeon’s feedback I decided to have the surgery ASAP, had to wait 3 months to allow the fracture to heal a little . The only reference I have is that in 2011 I found out I had a bicuspid valve and at that moment they did not report an aneurysm, so more than likely was small enough to be undetectable. My surgery was in Houston with Dr Anthony Estrera, an amazing surgeon. I also had my sons checked, both tricuspid. There is a genetic propensity to aneurysms in my family, so my siblings also got checked, all tricuspid.

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Thank you for getting back to me. I appreciate it.

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@niravani

I agree. I had CT Angiogram Coronary with contrast for screening as first test where they detected 4.5cm ascending Aortic Aneurysm. Then they did ECO Cardiogram to check for Bicuspid valve and that show 4.2CM but my Cardiologist say, CT is the gold standard and accurate.
They can’t find conclusive that if I have bicuspid valve so they also did TEE procedure and confirmed that I do have bicuspid valve and that diameter for Aorta is 4.5cm.

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Well at least you've talked to a Cardiologist
all I'm getting is Veteran nurses on results and tests
So I guess I talk to a Cardiologist surgeon when it gets 5.5
they make me a bit nervous , but it is the army , whatever armed forces hospital

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@elvisnash

Well at least you've talked to a Cardiologist
all I'm getting is Veteran nurses on results and tests
So I guess I talk to a Cardiologist surgeon when it gets 5.5
they make me a bit nervous , but it is the army , whatever armed forces hospital

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Yes, while this is such a terrible findings and condition to be on, I try to look at positively:
1. At least I know I have aneurysm so it will be closely monitored and less chance it will burst
2. This will force me to be healthy all the time so it will avoid any future other issues otherwise.
3. At least there is a fix (even if that means major surgery)

Thanks again and wish you lot of luck!

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@niravani

Yes, while this is such a terrible findings and condition to be on, I try to look at positively:
1. At least I know I have aneurysm so it will be closely monitored and less chance it will burst
2. This will force me to be healthy all the time so it will avoid any future other issues otherwise.
3. At least there is a fix (even if that means major surgery)

Thanks again and wish you lot of luck!

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I think they know what their doing and fix it at 5.5
Another day in the office for them
Yeah man good luck , will be fine , big hassle is all

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@elvisnash

I think they know what their doing and fix it at 5.5
Another day in the office for them
Yeah man good luck , will be fine , big hassle is all

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Thank you and I will keep posting updates related to the progress and results.

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I woke up on the table in the middle of my heart surgery. The nurse just said, maybe cardiology isn't for you.

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So 70 years eating steak and potatoes and I think eating salmon now is going to change all that

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The doctor said cut down on stress , I told him loan me 500,000

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