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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Do I have to worry about aneurysm
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - Heart
Cleveland - OH
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Do I have to worry about aneurysm
by cheri0710, Oct 06, 2009 01:51PM
My dad had both thoracic and adominal (abdominal) aneurysms. His thoracic aneurysm was about 8 cm. Neither was the cause of his death. It was recommended to me to be screened as aneurysms run in families. I just had a spiral CT scan with and w/o contrast. I'm a middle age, avg size woman. My scan said no aneurysms, but I'm wondering if the measurements they list are normal or bigger than normal. Here's what the report said: The ascending aorta measures 3.4 cm. The arch measure 2.3 cm. The descending thoracic aorta measures 2.1 cm.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Oct 07, 2009 11:18PM
, Oct 07, 2009 11:18PM
The dimensions you mention are within normal values for a small person. In fact at these levels they are quite normal and not even considered to be ectatic.
Member Comments (3)
by nickppatel, Oct 07, 2009 01:06PM
To: cheri0710
That's probably on the slightly large side for an average size woman. I would not freak out over it. I would keep in close contact with a knowledgeable cardiologist for regular screenings to monitor for growth.
by skydnsr, Oct 10, 2009 06:37PM
The ascending is usually expected to be about the same diameter as the descending. If it were me with 3.4/2.1 and a family history of aneurysm, I would continue to be monitored. Your age makes a difference, too. If you are already middle-aged or older, a slight enlargement may not be as much of a concern. In a young person, there are more years ahead of you in which you could potentially develop an aneurysm, so continued monitoring is prudent. For more information about familial aortic disease, check on www.bicuspidfoundation.com.
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