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What does this result on my recent CT scan mean?
Hi all,
So I have finally had my CT & Echo imaging done at Stanford. The aortic aneurysm, at the mid-ascending aorta has advanced from 4.4cm to 4.7cm. The cardiologists impression of my pulmonary aneurysm was "moderate to severely enlarged" at 4.2cm which I suspect is due to the rarity of this condition and the lack of objective evidence as to what is safe & not safe for a pulmonary aneurysm - needless to say the language has me a bit worried that I'm looking at surgery sooner than later; though on the other hand it would be nice to get done with this, get to the other side and get on with my life.
In the results interpreted in the 3D lab of the aorta, it listed Major and Minor figures, being only slightly different (in mm) of 46.80mm and 46.00mm (4.68CM and 4.6CM). What is indicated by the major / minor figures - outside diameter (major) and inside diameter (minor) - or something else?
Also, I've reviewed where, physically, the pulmonary artery is (located just under the aorta), and see it connects from the RV to the lungs - so am I correct in assuming this can only be fixed via open repair?
Since the aortic aneurysm is on the ascending side, just distal of the aortic valve, this would also be an open repair, or has medicine advanced to the point where this can be fixed in a less invasive endovascular approach?
I have an app't in a couple weeks (unless I hear otherwise that it will be sooner) with my cardiologist, and I don't want to bug her, so if anyone can help shed some light on that, it'd be appreciated.
~Shasari
So I have finally had my CT & Echo imaging done at Stanford. The aortic aneurysm, at the mid-ascending aorta has advanced from 4.4cm to 4.7cm. The cardiologists impression of my pulmonary aneurysm was "moderate to severely enlarged" at 4.2cm which I suspect is due to the rarity of this condition and the lack of objective evidence as to what is safe & not safe for a pulmonary aneurysm - needless to say the language has me a bit worried that I'm looking at surgery sooner than later; though on the other hand it would be nice to get done with this, get to the other side and get on with my life.
In the results interpreted in the 3D lab of the aorta, it listed Major and Minor figures, being only slightly different (in mm) of 46.80mm and 46.00mm (4.68CM and 4.6CM). What is indicated by the major / minor figures - outside diameter (major) and inside diameter (minor) - or something else?
Also, I've reviewed where, physically, the pulmonary artery is (located just under the aorta), and see it connects from the RV to the lungs - so am I correct in assuming this can only be fixed via open repair?
Since the aortic aneurysm is on the ascending side, just distal of the aortic valve, this would also be an open repair, or has medicine advanced to the point where this can be fixed in a less invasive endovascular approach?
I have an app't in a couple weeks (unless I hear otherwise that it will be sooner) with my cardiologist, and I don't want to bug her, so if anyone can help shed some light on that, it'd be appreciated.
~Shasari
Best Answer
ok, well a decision for surgery is done on a patient by patient basis but the general rule of thumb is that is isn't likely to burst until 5.5cm or greater. With regards to surgery type, there are 2. First involves open chest and the second involves stenting. The decision for either surgery types will be decided upon by the surgeon because it depends on exactly where in the vessel the aneurysm lies. For example, if it is very close to the valves of the heart. Both the pulmonary and aortic arteries are potentially able to receive stents.
If you have questions alway ask your cardiologist. I have an AAA and it is or was 4.5 and we will do surgery at 5 cm. My next appointment is in August. My outlook is to get it all done and over with. Call your cardiologist or if you have like so many, e-mail interaction, ask per e-mail, you also can call the nurse and tell her you wish for the doc to call you back due to some questions you have.
Yes, that is correct. Lucky me, right?
Needless to say I'm concerned and depressed about the fact that my cardiologist is labeling the pulmonary aneurysm "moderate to severe".
~Shasari
Needless to say I'm concerned and depressed about the fact that my cardiologist is labeling the pulmonary aneurysm "moderate to severe".
~Shasari
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