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Calcification of the aorta and iliac arteries

Results from a recent CT scan:"Atherosclerotic calcification of the aorta and iliac arteries.No acute inflammatory process is identified." No interpretation or evaluation. During this time period my primary care doc left the facility and I have as yet to find someone to help in understanding what this might mean. Should I consult my cardiologist? or what?


This discussion is related to Aortic Calcification.
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Avatar universal
Yes CT scans can detect calcification of the aorta.  I'm not sure which doctor told you it wasn't, but they are incorrect.  Calcification of the aorta are a clear indication of atherosclerosis (plaque) in the aorta (or whichever artery that is being tested).  I know this, because I just had a repeat CT scan of my pelvis due to a mass & atherosclerosis & calcification was detected on my CT scan.  I am now undergoing tests to determine the extent & whether I will need any further treatment, such as a stent or surgery or whether I can just continue to be observed.

I'm sorry to hear about your family member that died after a stent insertion.  This is really something I have never heard of.  I do know the risks of stent insertions (although rare), can be a heart attack, blood clot, stroke or sudden death, but I have never heard of an artery being ruptured.  My spouse has had bypass surgery (which failed) & subsequently had 4 stents inserted in various arteries to keep them functioning, without complications.  You might want to check either vitals.com or healthgrades website, to see what ratings patients give the doctor who performed the surgery on your relative.  It will also show where they have worked, where they've attended medical school & other valuable information.
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Avatar universal
?lease can anyone tell me if calcification can be detected by a ct scan in thr iliac artery. My relative has just died because of stent procedure which ruptured her artery. The doctors tell me calcification is not detectable on ct scan, yet I see scans of  the aorta showing calcification, I would be grateful if someone with knowledge of ct scans could tell me as think she should have been given a bypass.  Many thanks.
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367994 tn?1304953593
I agree with mammo, except exercise may be contraindicated as high blood pressure has  a deleterious effect on the aorta and may even be the underlying cause.
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Avatar universal
Yes, you should see a cardiologist.  This means that you have calcified plaque building in these areas.  Right now it may not be causing you any pain or discomfort, but as this builds it can block the arteries, which would not be good.  You need to see a cardiologist to find out "how much" there is and how often they want to re-check it before it prevents a problem.  It's basically hardening of the arteries.  Through diet, exercise, and lowering your cholesterol you can help to a point, but a lot is hereditary.
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