Is an aneurysm over 50mm (5.2cm) dangerous?

Mine was repaired at 5.2 cm (52mm), it was considered large, especially for my body size. My surgeon told me it was actually larger than originally measured when he removed it.

I would find the best surgeon accessible to you, someone who has done hundreds or thousands of these surgeries in a major hospital and get a second opinion ASAP.

You are definitely in the critical zone, keeping your BP in control is crucial.

All the best!!

Hi there, I have also been recently diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm at 5.2cm. Mine is ascending, located just above my heart. I have consulted 2 different cardiothoracic surgeons. Both of them recommend surgery due to the size and rupture risk. My aorta is considered “severely dilated” at this measurement. Open heart surgery scheduled for Oct 2… hoping I have the nerve to go through with it! So tempted to cancel though… I’m pretty anxious about it.
Wishing you all the very best with your situation. I would definitely get a second opinion from an aortic specialist.

There is a bump in the risk curve for rupture at 5.5cm (55mm), possibly a little smaller for aortic root, so those sizes are usually felt to be when the risk of aneurysm rupture starts to exceed the risks of surgery. Some aneurysms may rupture when they are smaller- it’s a curve. What I am realizing as mine approaches those sizes is that I am not going to avoid the surgery - it’s bigger this year than last year. Might as well get on with it.

Trust me on this: do not cancel that surgery. My aneurysm burst inside my chest in 2015 and it is generally not survivable. I would never have avoided surgery had I known then what I do now. Peace.

Hello moon boy! And thank you.
Sincerely. It is a miracle and perhaps divine intervention that spared you, just amazing. Your advice is well taken. Much appreciate it!! I am very hesitant about having the surgery, but I realize it is inevitable. My surgeon said my rupture risk is 7% annually, which isn’t huge, but also isn’t zero. If I don’t do it now, it’s just going to get riskier I guess. Peace to you as well.

So recommendation for intervention has changed. It use to be a hard 5.5 unless you had a disorder. Now it is more 5 to 5.5 and lower for any disorders. Plus it is height vs AA size if no genetic/family history these days too. This is what I have learned from the doctors and subject to change as they learn more of course.

Follow your doctor's advise , he knows your case and limitations. Keep your BP below 120/80 and your Cholesterol below 100. The reason for the low cholesterol is to prevent plaque forming in the aneurysm and weakening it.
Dr Picardi

Mine is at 46mm. My surgeon said he won't do anything until it reaches 55mm.
He doesn't want to see me again for another 2 years. I'm not comfortable with that, so I'll have my doctor send me for an ultrasound in 12 months. Just for my own peace of mind.
Meantime, I intend to live my life as normal. I'm 80 years old, and still enjoy reasonable health and fitness.

Did you read my success story, having surgery 4 month ago? You'll be not scared so much anymore.
All the best.

Hello Claudia! Yes, I just read your success story and it is amazing! You are so brave. Your scar is “beautiful”, can hardly see it, what a wonderful surgeon you had. I’m very encouraged by hearing of your successful experience.
Thank you so much for sharing. Sending hugs and best wishes for continued healing and a long happy life! Congratulations on your excellent outcome and for being so strong and facing your surgery with such grace. I hope I can feel the same when my surgery date comes!!!