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MedHelp Member's Question

tortuosity of the aorta

by 4bopp, Jan 04, 2008 02:23PM
What causes tortuosity of the aorta and is it dangerous to the aorta?  Does it progress over time? Thank you
Member Comments (14)

by kenkeith, Jan 04, 2008 06:11PM
To: 4bopp
The cause can be a congental and/or it can be the result of high blood pressure, or the result of physical changes in the spine and chest wall.  It can displace or crowd the space other organs.  

A twisted or distorted aorta (thoracic) can cause some blockage of blood flow from the narrowing of the aorta.  The result would be the same as valvular (aorta) stenosis.  If there is severe blockage, it can result in heart failure.  Symptoms would/could  be shortness of breath, chest pains, pulmonary and/or perpheral edema, etc.  Worst case scenario

Depending on the circumstance it can progress, usually requires surgery

by 4bopp, Jan 04, 2008 06:20PM
To: kenkeith
Thank you for all your information concerning tortuosity of the aorta.  You have helped me understand which helps alot.

by nickppatel, Jan 06, 2008 12:42AM
To: 4bopp
It can also be caused by Loeys Dietz syndrome, a very dangerous connectiver tissue disorder. Look it up...

by 4bopp, Jan 06, 2008 07:55AM
To: Nickppatel
Thank you.  I will look up Loeys Dietz Syndrome.  I appreciate you help.

by PBV, Jan 11, 2008 11:45AM
To: kenkeith
Tortuosity of the thoracic aorta can also be related to misinterpretation of the plain-film CXR and may actually represent an aortic aneurysm.  CT angio with 3-D reconstruction or MRA is needed to rule out TAA, particularly if a tortuous thoracic aorta shows up on a CXR of a young person.

by kenkeith, Jan 11, 2008 04:00PM
To: PBV
Good point.  Thanks for the information.

by saept, May 09, 2008 12:28PM
To: 4bopp
Is diagnosis 447.1 appropriate for aortic tortuosity?

by 4bopp, May 21, 2008 06:53AM
To: saept
I am not sure.  

by Sharon207, Jun 18, 2008 05:37PM
To: mildly tortuous aorta
One of the comments on my ER report was that I have a mildly
tortuous aorta and slight peripheral edema.   What does this mean and
should I see a heart doctor?

by kenkeith, Jun 19, 2008 05:47PM
To: Sharon
Peripheral edema can be related to a right-side heart insufficiency.  Your doctor should determine the underlying cause for the edema.

by ak451, Jul 30, 2008 08:15AM
To: kenkeith
I had tests by Life Line Screening at Dr's suggestion. A small saccular  abdominal aneurysm was reported. Dr. ordered ultrasound which reported tortuosity of aorta but no aneurysm. I take drugs for high blood pressure and now wonder which test is correct. What is your opinion?

by kenkeith, Jul 30, 2008 04:56PM
To: ak451
I'm not familiar with Life Line Screening, but abdominal aneurysm is a bulge of the aorta (large vessel from the heart that supplies blood to system).  Normally, the aorta is about one inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter. The size increases very gradually as people age. If the abdominal section of the aorta becomes larger than 3 centimeters, the person is said to have an abdominal aortic aneurysym.  The screening test may be correct for location in question.

A  twisted or distorted aorta that results in the narrowing or constricting of the aorta, which, in turn, may cause blockage of blood flow is a tortuous aorta. The ultra sound by the second doctor may have included only the aorta root and tract, and there is no problem seen in that location.

by Babe13, Aug 12, 2008 04:44PM
To: whom it may concern
After my husband was diagnosed with atelectasis after being si