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What Does This CT Scan Indicate?
Question: Hello
My Cat scan shows that there is a mild aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending thoracic aorta measuring 4 cm
What does this mean?
My Cat scan shows that there is a mild aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending thoracic aorta measuring 4 cm
What does this mean?
Brief Answer:
The CAT scan shows that you have an enlarged thoracic aorta...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
The CAT scan shows that you have an enlarged thoracic aorta measuring 4 cm (i.e. aneurismal dilatation of the ascending aorta). This is an important finding which should be followed up regularly by your cardiologist in order to choose the exact time for surgical intervention.
If you were my patient I would recommend:
- A complete physical examinations including familiar history for aortic aneurysm and dissection.
- Genetic study to exclude the genetic anomalies that are associated with aortic aneurysm.
- Cardiac ECHO to evaluate cardiac structure and to exclude aortic bicuspid and other anomalies that may be associated with such a finding.
- A regular follow up every 6 to 12 months with CAT scan and cardiac ECHO to evaluate the progression of aortic aneurysm.
You should go for cardiac surgery in the following conditions:
- You have a familiar history of aortic dissection (aneurysm rupture).
- The aortic aneurysm increase in size more than 5 mm in six month or more than 1 cm in a year.
Moreover if you experienced a new onset strong chest pain (which it's not relieved from common painkillers), you should go immediately to the ER to rule out aortic dissection.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
The CAT scan shows that you have an enlarged thoracic aorta...
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
The CAT scan shows that you have an enlarged thoracic aorta measuring 4 cm (i.e. aneurismal dilatation of the ascending aorta). This is an important finding which should be followed up regularly by your cardiologist in order to choose the exact time for surgical intervention.
If you were my patient I would recommend:
- A complete physical examinations including familiar history for aortic aneurysm and dissection.
- Genetic study to exclude the genetic anomalies that are associated with aortic aneurysm.
- Cardiac ECHO to evaluate cardiac structure and to exclude aortic bicuspid and other anomalies that may be associated with such a finding.
- A regular follow up every 6 to 12 months with CAT scan and cardiac ECHO to evaluate the progression of aortic aneurysm.
You should go for cardiac surgery in the following conditions:
- You have a familiar history of aortic dissection (aneurysm rupture).
- The aortic aneurysm increase in size more than 5 mm in six month or more than 1 cm in a year.
Moreover if you experienced a new onset strong chest pain (which it's not relieved from common painkillers), you should go immediately to the ER to rule out aortic dissection.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had a stent put in 1 year ago 2/24/14 RCA RIGHT Coronary Artery Could this of caused the aneurysm? also how big is 4 cm .how long would it take to get to 5cm ,years?/
Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
My opinion is that the same causes (like hypertension, atherosclerosis etc.), that cause ischemic heart disease and coronary stenting, are the causes of aortic aneurysm.
An aortic aneurysm of 4 cm isn't too large to need surgery, however most important as I mentioned above is the speed of aortic enlargement. Can you ask your doctor at what diameter was your aorta one year ago? If it was 4 cm you shouldn't worry your aorta may stay at 4 cm for years.
However it’s very important the regular follow up. If your aorta enlarge more than 1 cm per year than it will need surgery before it reaching 5 cm, because the risk of dissection is very high.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Following answer to your queries...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
My opinion is that the same causes (like hypertension, atherosclerosis etc.), that cause ischemic heart disease and coronary stenting, are the causes of aortic aneurysm.
An aortic aneurysm of 4 cm isn't too large to need surgery, however most important as I mentioned above is the speed of aortic enlargement. Can you ask your doctor at what diameter was your aorta one year ago? If it was 4 cm you shouldn't worry your aorta may stay at 4 cm for years.
However it’s very important the regular follow up. If your aorta enlarge more than 1 cm per year than it will need surgery before it reaching 5 cm, because the risk of dissection is very high.
Wish you health!
Dr. Benard
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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