a ct scan shown a 42 mm aneurysmal dialation of the ascending aorta

[pete9140]

on the ct scan the heart was borderline enlarge and the main pulmonary artery was enlarged suggesting pulmonary arterial hypertension,  6 months earlier a ct scan shown none of these findings.  how bad is this scan?

[CHIN_C]

Your post mentioned 3 different findings. I will address each separately:

1) Borderline enlarged heart: please see your PCP +/- cardiologist who may order additional tests (e.g., echocardiography)

2) Dilated ascending thoracic aorta: 4.2 cm is mild and can be followed (e.g., annual CTA and/or MRA chest)

3) Dilated main pulmonary artery: management depends on your symptoms; please see your PCP +/- pulmonologist
- Class I. Although you've been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, you have no symptoms with normal activity.
- Class II. You don't have symptoms at rest, but you experience symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath or chest pain with normal activity.
- Class III. You're comfortable at rest, but have symptoms when you're physically active.
- Class IV. You have symptoms with physical activity and while at rest

You had mentioned that your CT 6 months earlier showed none of these findings. It is unlikely that the pulmonary artery significantly changed in size over such a short time period. Consider calling the facility where the last CT was performed and kindly ask if the radiologist who initially read the study can take a second look and remeasure the pulmonary artery.