During a hospital stay in June 2007 (I only just ordered the reports) to try Flecainide for PVCs in constant bigeminy, I had a cardiac catheterization done to check for arterial blockages. My arteries were clean but they found that I have a dilated ascending aorta (4.7cm) and the aortic arch was dilated, it also says there were two aortic cusps, and there is at least 1+ AI. They then did a CT scan of the area, and the report says "the aortic root is dilated measuring 4cm in greatest axial dimensions at the level or the right pulmonary artery. The aortic arch and descending intrathoracic aorta are normal in caliber. The takeoffs of the great vessels reveal a bovine arch." They also mentioned mild aortic regurgitation and mild mitral regurgitation.
Finally, they did an echocardiogram to rule out bicuspid valve. This report said that the valve is tricuspid and mildly thickened. Mild 1+ aortic valve regurgitation.
Now, I feel so confused. When I went to see the CT Surgeon a month after these tests, he said I only have a dilated ascending aorta, at 4cm, and made no mention of the 4.7cm that the catheterization found. He said he didn't need to see me for 2 years. What is the difference between a dilated aortic root, and a dilated ascending aorta? Is there, in fact, even a difference? Which diagnostic tool would be more reliable, catheterization or CT scan?
Thank you SO much for your help.