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