Aa
aortic root dilitation dx
On a routine ech I was dx'd with a dialated aortic root at 3.98. I am 57, nio cardiac hx, low bp always, lean build and in shape. He has scheduled me for a CT angiogram to check out the rest of the aorta? How bad is 3.98? Should I get a second opinion? I am worried....to say the least...
Hello craig546,
No one can diagnosed via internet but generally speaking if you don't have any associated aortic valve disease (you didn't mentioned it) the next step would be evaluation of with CT for any other dilations in other part of aorta (which you were ordered by your doctor already)
If it turns out that you just have only ascending aorta dilatation (i.e ascending aorta aneurysm), your doctor may just follow (likely on the annual basis for now) with imaging studies to check the diameter of your ascending aorta and look at your aortic valve.
In case of ISOLATED ascending aorta aneurysm, the surgery is usually recommended if diameter exceeds 5.5 cm. in one study, rate of progression of ISOLATED ascending aorta aneurysm was ~0.07 cm/year so it may be a lot of years ahead of you before your doctor may consider referring you for surgery.
However your doctor may recommend a medication called a beta blocker and some lifestyle modification (e.g avoidance of isometric exercise and weightlifting) to decrease a risk of aortic dissection (tear in aortic wall), but all of these will be likely discuss with you by your cardiologist.
So generally speaking there is no reason to worry excessively as the size of aneurysm is relatively small, just please find a cardiologist you like and trust and follow his/her recommendations
With best wishes
No one can diagnosed via internet but generally speaking if you don't have any associated aortic valve disease (you didn't mentioned it) the next step would be evaluation of with CT for any other dilations in other part of aorta (which you were ordered by your doctor already)
If it turns out that you just have only ascending aorta dilatation (i.e ascending aorta aneurysm), your doctor may just follow (likely on the annual basis for now) with imaging studies to check the diameter of your ascending aorta and look at your aortic valve.
In case of ISOLATED ascending aorta aneurysm, the surgery is usually recommended if diameter exceeds 5.5 cm. in one study, rate of progression of ISOLATED ascending aorta aneurysm was ~0.07 cm/year so it may be a lot of years ahead of you before your doctor may consider referring you for surgery.
However your doctor may recommend a medication called a beta blocker and some lifestyle modification (e.g avoidance of isometric exercise and weightlifting) to decrease a risk of aortic dissection (tear in aortic wall), but all of these will be likely discuss with you by your cardiologist.
So generally speaking there is no reason to worry excessively as the size of aneurysm is relatively small, just please find a cardiologist you like and trust and follow his/her recommendations
With best wishes
Hi
I had a stress echo 10 months after a MI.
The results were good except for valve abnormalities which distressed me:
Ejection Fraction 76
Aorta: No calcification of the leaflets and Normal forward flow (Vmax 1.6/sec;mean gradient 5mmHg).
Mild, central aortic regurgitation (<25% LVOT; normal aortic flow. Aortic root: LVOT 1.9 cm; sinus of valsava 3.7cm; sinotubular junction 3.2cm; proximal ascending aorta at the level of the diaphragm; right pulmonary artery 3.6cm.
Mitral: MV leaflets are thin and mobile. Normal forward flow (Ewave 0.8m/sec; Awave 0.6m/sec; DT 180MS). Mild central regurgitation (EROA 6mm2; regurgitant vol 4mls; vena contracta 3mm). Normal left atrial volume.
I am disstressed because about 6 months earlier the stress echo showed normal valves. Should I do another echo?
I had a stress echo 10 months after a MI.
The results were good except for valve abnormalities which distressed me:
Ejection Fraction 76
Aorta: No calcification of the leaflets and Normal forward flow (Vmax 1.6/sec;mean gradient 5mmHg).
Mild, central aortic regurgitation (<25% LVOT; normal aortic flow. Aortic root: LVOT 1.9 cm; sinus of valsava 3.7cm; sinotubular junction 3.2cm; proximal ascending aorta at the level of the diaphragm; right pulmonary artery 3.6cm.
Mitral: MV leaflets are thin and mobile. Normal forward flow (Ewave 0.8m/sec; Awave 0.6m/sec; DT 180MS). Mild central regurgitation (EROA 6mm2; regurgitant vol 4mls; vena contracta 3mm). Normal left atrial volume.
I am disstressed because about 6 months earlier the stress echo showed normal valves. Should I do another echo?
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