Kathy

[kathy11]

Hi - I was wondering what is the normal range for the ascending aorta diameter.  I am 5'6, 130 lb slight framed and fit 43yr. old  female.  I have a bicuspid aortic valve with mild regurgitation.  There is a prominent chiari network in my right atrium. My echo results also show that there is mild regurgitation with the mitral and tricuspid valves and mildly thickened mitral valve leaflets. The echo shows no stenosis. The echo shows that the left atrium, the aortic root and the ejection fraction are withing the normal range but no measurements are given for my right atrium, the ascending aorta diameter is 3.2cm.  I have just received these results within the last month, I was referred to a local Cardioligist but I am contemplating on whether to change doctors, he does not speak english as a first language (a bit difficult to understand) and I do live within 30 miles of Boston, I am thinking of seeing Dr. Isselbacher of the Thoracic Aortic Center at Mass. General Hospital - do you think it is unreasonable to switch Doctors at this point?

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

A chiari network is a normal variant-- present in about 2% of the population and is an embryonic remnant. From reading the information you've given, the mildly thickened mitral valves are the only thing that seems abnormal (often this is called myxomatous). Why were you referred to a cardiologist-- the mild mitral regurgitation and thickened mitral valve  is what I am assuming. As  far as getting a new physician, I think you need to go to someone that makes you comfortable and if that means you need to switch,then do that.I always support someone finding a physician that makes them comfortable and what makes people comfortable varies tremendously. I strongly encourage you to find you like and stick with that person!

[kathy11]

Hi and thank you for responding.  To answer your question as to why I was referred to a cardiologist - My primary care physican ordered an echo due to a new heart murmur and shortness of breath while excercising.  The results of the echo not only showed the mitral valve issues but it also showed that the aortic valve is bicuspid, has focal nodular sclerosis and there is mild aortic regurgitation with a pressure half-time of 555ms. The cardio classifed the echo as abnormal and my physician suggested that I should meet with him.  I am moderately active, jog or walk 2-3 miles, 3 to 4 times per week.  since this diagnosis, I am more in tune with my body and I do notice some mild tightening in the chest, it seems to happen just once or twice per day, usually in the late afternoon.  In my initial posted question, I had asked about the normal size of the ascending Aorta, a range was not given and I was trying to figure out if the 3.2 cm diameter was normal or enlarged.