Can aneurysms actually shrink in size?

[debk7]

Last year I went for a lung cancer screening and discovered 2 thoracic arotic aneurysms. One measured 4.4 and the other a 3.8.This year the ct scan showed 3.7 and 3.8. My dr told me it may of been that i was nervous about the test last year and it expanded.I was initially happy about the shrinkage but thought later, does this mean if i get overly excited it will expand again. I am not on any BP meds. Can anyone answer my question and ease my mind alittle?

[debk7]

That is what I'm thinking in my situation. Tests were done at 2 different hospitals and 2 different drs measuring them.One is possibly not correct. I'm taking the advice from skydnsr and have my dr show me them side by side  and measure. then I'll know for sure. Now will you be needing an operation soon? My dr won't operate until it is 5.5 and 6 for the smaller one

[dsouzawil]

           The size depends on how the aneurysm is measured. In 2008 my CT scan showed my aortic root aneurysm to be 5.7 cm. In 2010 the CT scan taken at the same place measured 5 cm but was read by a different doctor. In a months time I consulted with the chief of cardiac surgery at UCLA. He read the same CT which measured 5 cm and said it was 5.8 cm. He said the aneurysm is oblong and so has a smaller and larger diameter. So the larger diameter has to be measured and read.
      

[skydnsr]

Okay, you're welcome.  Let me know what you find out, if you will, please.  BTW, I've had surgery for this and am doing well.  I will be thinking about you.

[debk7]

Both were a CT Scan, but done at different hospitals.After the first CT Scan, my PCP recommended that I see a Thoracic Surgeon. The Surgeon is with a different hospital. I do agree with you as to a measurement of error and will take your advise on having them looked at side by side. I did see the images from the first one, but not this one. Thank you for your advise. I know its not life threatening at this size, just wanted a little peace of mind. Thanks again.

[skydnsr]

Were they both measured by CT?  CT scan is generally considered to be the most accurate image.  And were they both measured by the same doctor?  The difference between 4.4 and 3.7 is a very large difference.  It is unlikely that the aneurysm shrank, especially that much.  More likely is measurement error.  If it was two different doctors, they may not have measured the aneurysm the same way.  The angle that they consider to be the horizontal axis is very important.  The way to resolve this dilemma is to have one doctor look at both images side by side and measure them both at the same time.  Even better is to have that doctor do it with you present and also looking at the images.  A blood pressure differential, due to your being nervous, can perhaps make some difference, but it should not make that much of a difference.  Good luck.