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New diagnosis today. Trying to figure what to do..
Hello everyone. I could use your help. Today I was diagnosed with a 4.0 aneurism of the aortic root. I read most of the time they don’t do anything till it grows to over 5.0cm. Is that right? What should be my next steps?
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Wow man, that kinda sucks and I can’t say personally that I know what it feels like, my youngest son is almost the same way. That bp of his like 180/100, stuff like that and then 118/80- go figure and I haven’t been able to find anyone that can solve that problem and it kinda makes me wonder if some people are just that way! I don’t know but I hope maybe someone here or physically at Mayo can help you out? Lots of smart people in this group as well. Maybe keep watching for new notifications and hope something pops up. Best wishes and get better soon!
I am 70.I have had a root aneurism between 4.2 and 4.8 for 20 years.Moderate aortic valve regurgetation.What are the odds that it will grow and I will eventually need surgery?
As I have said in other posts, I always recommend you find a cardiologist who specializes in aortic diseases it makes a huge difference when trying to find answers, (not all cardiologist do) ensuring you have the correct follow up protocol.
Speaking from what my surgeon told me, in my case I have a bicuspid aortic valve which will have to be replaced at some point and had a 5.2 cm ascending aneurysm, I had the aneurysm repaired but the aortic valve was left in place as it was still highly functional and (in his words) therefore better than any artificial valve he could use. At some point it will deteriorate to the point it will need replacement but now that the aneurysm is repaired the replacement can be done endovascularly.
I interpreted that to say that they would not consider replacing the valve by catheter with the aneurysm in place as it could be risky. In your case I assume the regurgitation may be caused by the root enlargement, so maybe at some point one of the two or both issues will lead them to recommend a repair/valve replacement. In your case it seems it has grown but slowly and it is getting close to the 5.0 mark.
Again, an experienced cardiothoracic surgeon and/or an aortic disease specialist (cardiologist) would be able to give you the right answer in your particular case.
All the best
thank you.Is there an alternative yet to open heart
repair the root aneurism yet?
Unfortunately not, as far as I know there are studies to find alternatives for ascending aortic aneurysms but when at the root I believe only open heart would be the option.
That gives me hope! I found out yesterday that my ascending is normal, but my root is 4.3cm. I am freaking out, but it sounds like you were 50 when you found out that yours was 4.2cm. I am 57 and looking at changing my life, but wondering whether this thing will be a monster. I can't rely on your experience for certainty, but it does indicate that some have it for years with no adverse affects and it can grow slowly. have you always had the valve regurgitation? Was it mild at first then progressed to moderate? I assume my mild aortic regurgitation is a result of the root dilation.
The valve went from mild 25 years ago to moderate now.
Good to know. I am pretty active and probably got this way pushing my body. I’ve probably read too much at this point, but it seems open heart is so different than 20 years ago. My cousin who’s an alcoholic and 70 just had open heart for bypass, valve replacement and something else. Op was 7 hours, ICU for less than 24, step down unit for two days and discharged to rehab facility. He was back home six days later. That is amazing! I think it is like others have said, you an aortic specialist and a surgeon who does it routinely. Yours has grown slowly I take it? It didn’t accelerate recently, but has grown incrementally over time?
slowly over the years.Hopefully if I need surgery in a few years the technology for arthoscopic will be there.
I am not sure why they can graft ascending aortas and replace valves with TAVR, but open the chest for the root. Possibly because it rises out of the chest. I just hope I can go 20 years. That’d put me at 78. I could live with that vs a dissection. I don’t have any family members with AD, never smoked, rarely drink, eat right with decent BP, which I’ve read is the key. Glad you are still going strong!!