How often and how should the aorta be checked after its 47mm size?

[green881]

After the ascending aorta is found to be 47 mm in diameter by CT scan, how often and how should it be checked since then?

Will CT scan every 6 months be safe ?

I would appreciate your experiences or advices.

[dbmartin5]

I would disagree on CT ... yeah if you want 2-4 years of radiation all in 1 shot.    I've got a 4.7 - 5.1  .... docs were hesistant to go on 3 month check been on 6 month cycle at moment ... my readings when 4.8 - 4.9 - 5.1 (MRI & TEE) ... then 4.7 Echo ... meeting with my surgeon on 1/23 .. assume he will say .. come back in 6.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi green881 !

An aneurysm between 4.5 to 5.5cm is followed up with scans every 3-4 months. Any aneurysm 1cm or more is immediately treated with surgery. So a 47mm need follow up every 3-4 months. The danger of the aneurysm bursting is much more than the exposure to CT scan, so yes, in this situation it is safe. Even otherwise the CT radiation are not very high, but yes, repeat radiation can have a cumulative effect, but again as I said, the benefits of scanning outweigh the dangers of aneurysm bursting. Take care!