Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Anyone had surgery?

I have had a crazy month which started with a CT scan where the radiologist indicated my aorta as “normal size”. My cardiologist argued with him based on previous tests since 2013 at 4.5 cm mid ascending (echo) and monitoring every six months with 2019 test at 4.7 cm (echo). So off for an MRI which showed 4.5 x 4.9 cm with no signs of dissection or tearing. This is the first time they have indicated an oval shape. I’m 58 next week and it’s been very slow growing for 7 years which helped me to not even be very concerned. But, I have never been as worried or confused as I am right now. I’m not getting much more info from my cardiologist other than “we need to talk about next steps soon“ and then I have to wait a couple months to get in to see him. I need to talk to a surgeon or specialist that can give me better advise specific to my condition and to get a better understanding of my risk and timing for surgery. I wish I could be like you and not worry. But even though I knew I had it, this has suddenly taken over my every day life. I think it’s because I’m starving for good information and expert advise and I’m not getting it from my doctor. I have an appointment this month with a doctor at Mayo in Jacksonville. Maybe he will refer me to a surgeon in Rochester for an opinion. And, I’m thinking about a trip to Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion. I just would like to be more certain about whether I can put off the surgery a while with minimal risk, or I should just plan to get it done somewhere.

I really appreciate the name and recognition of Dr. Vo's expertise. Thank you and best wishes for your health journey.

Depends on where you live in Florida but Dr Vo is very good, Jacksonville, Florida. He operated on me November 1st. Mine was very unstable plus during the operation he found two more so went ahead and fixed them with implants. Very good doctor who cares for his patients. I’m still recovering and probably will for a couple more months.

@win sturgeon

I think the width range of Aortic valve varies with age range. I think the older you get the wider it gets. For your current age 4.7 isn’t that far from upper boundaries for a normal range. This is based on the guidelines from cadiotherscic paper.

@fjc1962 I don’t know the details of your conditions. The urgency depends on many factors, if you have family history of heart attack, bicuspid aortic valve with underlying genetic disorder and the root of Ascending Aorta involved you have to do the surgery due to the risk of eruption to mention the few based on my assessment of the literatures. You have to follow the cardiologist guidelines. I think Celevland clinic operates in Florida, check the surgeon there. I have a plan to go to different state to see one of their Surgeon, they are one of the best based on many factual stats. Educate yourself based on your conditions before you rush. My local surgeon recommended me to plan for surgery, BUT I decided to wait based on education decisions.

Wow, that is great news! What a relief that must be to hear. Mine is at 4.7 and my doctor told me I need to start thinking about surgery. So, I’m very concerned about having to do something soon. I haven’t talked to a specialist/surgeon yet. I live in Florida but don’t want to be concerned with distance. Does anyone have a recommendation?

Mine is 4.9 and surgeon at Cleveland Clinic says he will give me 10 more years. Being i am in my late 70's sounds good.

@Drew944

I don't worry at all. Actually, I do all my activity as usual. Currently, I am running 45 miles per week and lift weight too with caution. Mine is 4.9 cm and the surgeon said I will do the surgery if I want to. But, I decided to wait after I read a lot of research papers from the area. I will update you the next imaging after six month. I will do MRI this time. I have contacted one person and he told me, he did surgery @ 6+ cm the same condition and an athlete with similar fit. Don't worry about ticking bomb etc etc people writing. Just follow your instinct. Yours is good, you will not worry about tissue vs mechanical choice if you do surgery after 10 years. I am 43 and I am trying to push the surgery and get a tissue valve.

Hi , I’m also young at 49 diagnosed at 48 with TAA at 4.3. And bicuspid valve with mild regurgitation. Also the only one in my family. I’m active as well. Based on my height and weight they tell me small and probably decades away or ever and less then 1 % chance of anything currently happening. I can’t know what will happen but try to stay positive but think about it still too much. If needed I will have to have open chest and valve replacement - (sure same choices as you) and aneurysm repair. Told 98-99% success at my current fitness level. I don’t have high blood pressure and don’t have any related symptoms. Supplements I used to take gave me palpitations so no more of that. I go in annually for monitoring. I hope for the best for us all and my family.

Did you share the blood thinning impact on your quality of life? I am inclined to Biological valve instead of mechanical valve.