Thoracic aorta aneurysm

[jcjsnooper]

I am a 40 yr. old male. In 1976 I had a procedure called a coarctation of the aorta. In 2004 I had a bicuspid valve replacement and a aorta plasty of the aortic arch. A recent ct scan show an aneurysm measured at 4.8 at the aortic arch. My surgeon and cardiologists are watching this closely. My question is this. Should I be any more worried than I possibly am of this rupturing? I haven't slept well since hearing of the news and I also have been told that I will reqiure surgery once again to replace the tissue valve to a mechanical valve and also a root replacement. Since I am going to need this surgery in the near future am I wrong for wanting this to happen now and just be done with it? Thank you in advance for your advice. Jeff. Woodbridge, NJ

[stenosis_31]

I totally hear you on the "just do it now" thing.  It can be nerve racking waiting for this thing to grow to a dangerous level.  Did they tell you not to do any heavy lifting?  They told me that because you should cause any extra strain.  The thing with surgery is they want to be sure you are getting the best deal.  ie-are you going to be better with surgery?  Does the risk of rupture outway the risk of surgery?  Just seems like such a win/win situation, doesn't it. ( please note my sarcasm)

I'm having a mechanical valve put in because I'm only 32 and want to get what will last.

Lastly I would do some research on the symptoms that can be (although usually there are none) associated with this so you can report any change.

[kenkeith]

Generally, an aortic root that reaches the size of 4.0 cm is medically referred to as an aneursym and if and when the size reaches 5.0 surgery begins to be an option.  

Most small and slow-growing aortic aneurysms don't rupture, but large, fast-growing aortic aneurysms may. Depending on the size and rate at which the aortic aneurysm is growing, treatment may vary from watchful waiting to emergency surgery.There is a large risk of rupture once the size has reached 5 cm, though some AAAs may swell to over 15 cm in diameter before rupturing.

Parameters considered when making surgical decisions include, but are not limited to, the following: An aneurysm size greater than 5.5 to 6 centimeters (greater than two inches) aneurysm growth rate 0.5 centimeters (slightly less than one-fourth inch) over a period of six months to one year. presence of genetic disorders or familial history of thoracic aneurysms and patient's ability to tolerate the procedure.

The risk and benefit would have to be weighed with consultation of a surgeon, cardiologist and you.  If the rate of growth is less than 0.5 a year, you may have a few years before making a decision.

[greatandwell]

hello, i wa interested to read your post. I have had coarctation as a child and have a bicuspid valve, not replaced.I am not much help to you from a medical point of view, but I have just had mri to check for anerysm, I find it all a bit full on ....

I am just interested to speak to someone in similar situation and see how it is going, do u live in UK
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