Does the echo cardiogram show an ascending aortic aneurysm size

I had a similar thing happen. I have a bicupsid aortic valve and aortic aneurysm. Had two echos, one that showed the ascending aortic aneurysm at 4 cm. Then a second echo that said the ascending aorta wasn't well-visualized (not helpful). Finally, had a CT scan for some lung issues (through primary care doctor), showing the ascending aorta at 4.4 cm. Asked the cardiologist about the differences; was told that the CT scan is the measurement that "counts." She says we are comparing apples to oranges between the echo and the CT and I shouldn't worry about the .4 cm increase in just six months. Hmmm ... that's a little hard to do when it's your aortic aneurysm, just saying. 🙂 I'm going to ask how often she will want a CT to monitor an aneurysm ... seems like a pre-req. So, looks like people like us should stay on top of our CT scans for an aneurysm.

Hi. Very similar as NKompa with a bicuspid valve and an ascending aneurysm. 2023 echo measured 4 cm. This April it was 4.4 cm. I leave for a CT next Thursday, a 5 hour drive from the rural area where I live, to get that instrument’s measurement. Never had a CT so it will be interesting to get that result. Evidently, the CT is the most accurate. From what I have been told, however, even the same technician using the same tool, at the same center, with the same patient will get a different result if they did the test a few consecutive times. A 3-4 mm difference is possible. Kind of like trying to measure the circumference of a cat’s belly with a measurement tape. Wishing all of you well!

Kind of like trying to measure the circumference of a cat’s belly with a measurement tape, gave me a good laugh this morning as I looked at my two cats. Prayers on both your long drive and on your CT scan.

I have Kaiser and they have a cardiac surveillance team. The Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm Surveillance sent an email that is time for my review and to schedule my CT scan which one the cardiologists have already requested. Meanwhile she who is impatient already asked my primary care to set it up but one of surveillance team straightened it out for this nervous Nelly. With little growth I have been cleared to wait three year until my next CT scan and of course they attach the do and do not reminders and what to do if I have an issue. I am also part of the Regional Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surveillance program. Not as exciting as a spy surveillance but I am happy with this program and the ability to call should I have any questions etc.

You need to have a CT angiogram with contrast. Echos are not precise enough although they are great for finding these aneurysms. You will probably find disagreement between the CT angiogram and the echo. Trust the CT.
It sounds like you may be a long way from needing surgery but only a surgeon can tell you that. There are many other variables besides size.

Thank you! Very helpful.

I'm a nervous Nelly as well. Thanks for sharing your experience and resource!

This gave me a real chuckle. Thanks and good luck with the cat belly measuring exercise. Safe travels.

Mine grew from 5.8cm to 6.5cm in a few hours. That's a tennis ball size. Don't worry- they removed the tennis ball and replaced it with a plastic snorkel. Which is fine by me. I am more a water sports person anyway.
I had US, CTAngio, EchoCardio. I think it is routine now for all thoracic and abdominal US to scan the aorta. I had one later for hernia and the guy freaked out about my dissection. Wanted to call an ambulance. I thanked him for his vigilance.

Hi, @nkompa,

Glad you wrote in..

I go to the cardiologist for an echo cardiogram every 6 months to get mine checked.

Interesting they used the phrase "apples and oranges" with you as well isn't it.
I'm trying to stay on top of it.

I am on a beta blocker.

I eat healthy and exercise every day.
Try to manage stress level.

I have found recently I may also have the marfan Syndrome.

I have other cardiac
conditions.

At the age of 33 yrs I had a cardiac arrest from a prolonged Q - T wave it led to a life threatening arrythmia and caused sudden instant death.

I survived that with CPR and again in 2015 I had another cardiac arrest from a defribilulator battery going dead.

Again I survived with CPR.

Also I have Mitral valve prolapse and Tricuspid valve insuffiency.

VT , and Atrial Fib.

When diagnosed in June 2022 with the aortic estasia at that time of 3.8 cm.

It is now 4.1 cm. an ascending aortic anuerysm.

Though they told me they couldn't see it on the last echo I had then said it was 3.4 cm which it is not it is 4.1 cm. I had it checked again .

There are other tests to view its size.

I would ask which one is safest.

I have been afraid of a dissection so I am being careful not to lift anything over a few pounds.

I wear my seat belt.

Take beta blocker to try and slow down the growth of it.

I try to eat a healthy diet.

Also try to manage my stress with mindfulness, singing and dancing .

Britt013