I was diagnosed very recently that my aorta was enlaged
Just by chance l had CT scan done for another issue. But when the results came back it showed l had a borderline descended aorta size 4.5 cc. Not sure what that means. I'm scheduled to see a cardiologist. I'm 63 never really had any serious heart trouble. But I'm concerned about this. Can someone please explain this to me.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.
I have read that endoscopic repair of ascending aneurysms is being tested in clinical trials and has been successful. I pray that if my aneurysm grows to a critical size this form of repair will be being done. They are trying to make it less invasive .
I want to clarify l had an echocardiogram in July 2024. At that time my aorta was 4 cm.
According to the doctor the normal ranges were (2.2 - 3.8). I was told not worry unless it enlarged. Well February 2025 went to the ER because of COVID issues. A battery of tests were done. A CT scan said borderline dialation of mascending aorta 4.5 cm. But the ER doctor never mentioned anything about it. I was told all my tests were good. I posted yesterday but if the tests results are accurate my aorta had enlarged.5 cm to 4.5cm in just 7 months. Can someone please tell me if I'm in immediate danger. I'm so stressed out. Please let me know
Meant to say ascending
Keep in mind that the measurements of the dilation are not the same every time if taken by a different radiologist of doctor. My Thoracic specialist at a University Hospital in Houston reviews my annual scan himself and does his own measurements that tend to be a bit different than the radiologists. He shows that I am around 4.5 cm but the radiologists show 4.2 cm.
As has been said, different methods Echo vs CT and different People taking the measurements would yield different results, you need to find a specialist who does the same measurement periodically to properly assess the growth rate and a baseline size. Again a cardiologist who is an aortic disease expert would be your best bet.
I’m really hoping that happens, I have heard the same. I’m sure in a few years there will be much less invasive alternatives, medicine advances very rapidly. It will take a little time for those techniques to be adopted by others and they becoming proficient though
I had a brain aneurysm repaired endoscopically and it amazes me they can get all the way to the exact spot in a tiny artery in the brain.
Thanks for your input. I just concerned of the uncertainty. I'm hoping l can at least get some piece of mind. What's your doctor's opinion of what he feels is to high of a number before it's a serious situation. The Internet can scare you to death. I appreciate getting information from someone who is going through it.
That definitely makes good sense.
My doctor told me surgery is normally scheduled at 5.0 cm. At that point he schedules the surgery. They normally have a 2 month wait but of course if urgent they will do earlier. As others have mentioned it is important to do it a major hospital that has full staff and is very experienced in doing this kind of cardio thoracic surgery. My local hospital and cardiology department does not have that.
I'm seeing a cardiologist tomorrow. Hopefully l can get some difitive answers. Just know where I stand as far how much time before l would have to have a procedure. I live in relatively small town. I wish l lived near a hospital that specializes in this type of surgery. But unfortunately l would need to go somewhere else. Thanks for your reply