CT Results

[DavesMom]

Hi,

I have a bicuspid aortic valve which lead to a commisseurotomy in '76 and an AVR replacement/ascending aortic aneurysm repair back in '99.  My yearly echos have been fine but this year I had my first CT scan. The report stated:  

"At the level of the distal anastomosis of the graft, the aorta measures approximately 3.0 cm in diameter.  The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta prior to the brachiocephalic artery is approximately 4.5 cm. There is aneurysmal dilation of the brachiocephalic artery.  It measures approximately 2.6 cm just above its origin.  The origin of the left common carotid artery is aneurysmal and measures 1.8 cm in maximum dimension."

No other significant dilations were noted on the report.  Other measurements were :

3.0 - diameter of the aortic arch between the brachiocephalic artery and left common carotid artery.
2.0 - diameter of the aortic arch beterrn the left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery.
2.8 - diameter of the aortic arch just distal to the left subclavian artery.

My cardio said I'll have another CT scan in a year. I have a few questions:

1.)I understand that normal procedure is to repair when the ascending  aorta measures 5.0.  I am only 4'11"  How much of an impact does height have on deciding the correct time for surgical intervention?  

2.) I had my last surgery back in '99.  Is there any way to tell how fast the aneurysm is growing based on the fact that it's at 4.5 after nine years?    

3.) I walk at a moderate pace every day for at least an hour.  Will this cause the aneurysm to grow faster?

4.) Are the dilations noted on the two arteries normal for an ascending aortic aneurysm?  

Thanks in advance for any information.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Yes, although the usual diameter for surgery in the ascending aorta is 5 cm, at our institution we sometimes perform them earlier in smaller individuals, especially if the aneurysm grows quickly or the patient is symptomatic in any way. To prevent the increase in size of the aneurysm you should be taking beta blockers, so that your blood pressure and pulse should be well controlled both at rest and with mild exercise.

[DavesMom]

Hi,

Just to add to the above:  I'm 51, average weight, BP usually in the 120s/130s and slightly elevated cholesterol.