Thoracic aortic aneurysm

I am a 77 year old white male living in NJ. I had not been on any meds or experienced high blood pressure. Also stopped smoking at 50. In Feb. this year as a result of minor discomfort I was admitted to Mt . Holly Hospital. The cardiologist on call diagnosed it as angina and I was moved to Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital. I underwent three catherizations. The first determined that blockages existed in the RCA at 99% and the Obtuse Marginal at 70%. The second cath was performed two days later and the third two weeks later. At that period I had a battery of tests i.e. MRI, Echo, X-rays.
I now have three stents in one artery and one in the other.After being home for a period I had my first appointment with a cardiologist and he informed me that there appeared some possible problem in the tests and recommended a CD scan. This revealed a thoracic aortic aneurysm of 4.0.
My questions are-Could my Caths in any way have caused this?
Do you think it odd that there was no  mention of the possible aneurysm until later. Can the aneurysm be repaired by a cath procedure. Is 4.0 a time to address a solution and is there any estimate on growth advance. Is their any recommendation on exercise or diet. My primary physician advised me of the results
of the scan. My cardiologist should have received the results today and I know he will contact me.  Thank you

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hello,

Sorry to hear about your recent medical problems. It can be a lot to handle at one time -- which is one reason they may not have mentioned the aneurysm at the time.  It sounds like it was the less pressing issue at that time and did not need immediate attention.

Cardiac cathiterizations can rarely cause aortic dissections, but not thoracic aneurysms.

The key now is to watch the rate of progression.  Some aneurysms are stable and do not progress while other progress rapidly and require repair.  Rapid progress is rare.

Some thoracic aneuryms can be repaird by stent grafting--the key is to find an experienced operator.  Dr. Roy Greenberg does most of aortic stent grafting here and is a phenomenal physician.  An experieced operator can tell you if it is approachable by grafting or if it will require an open procedure.  The key is seeing CT and MRI studies.  From what you describe, it sounds like it does not need to be repaired now but should be followed closely, possibly in another 6-12 months for another imaging study (CT or MRI).

I would continue to exercise and eat well, assuming your doctor has cleared you for exercise since your stenting.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

[Cramer Hill]

Thank you, you have relieved my concern greatly.
           David E.                      

[Gibby1]

Ascending aorta measures 5.4 and aortic arch measures 4.4.  Is surgery a definite consideration or do you continue to watch and wait.  Have a strong family history of heart conditions.  Had aortic valve replacement in 1992 for severe aortic insufficiency.  Your opinion is greatly appreciated.

[emma60]

A related discussion, Should 4.8cm thorasic aneurysm be reapired? was started.