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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Suggestion For Conflicting Reports In Echo Cardiogram About Ascending Arota?

I was first diagnosed with borderline ectasia of the ascending aorta at 3.6 cm back in 2010 via CT scan. In 2011 it grew to 3.8 cm via CT Scan. In 2012 it grew to 4.0 cm on CT and it was reported as 3.8 cm with echocardiogram done by cardio surgeon. It was determined that with me having so many CT scans for other medical conditions that they observe the ascending aorta via echocardiogram because of concern of developing radiation from recurrent CT scan. In 2013 the ascending aorta was at 4.0 according to echocardiogram done by cardio surgeon. Just recently as three weeks ago my primary sent me over to a cardiologist as opposed to the cardio surgeon on March of 2014 (this month). Cardiologist did echo and said it was 3.8 cm and that it was barely dialated and that even if there was concern that consideration for surgery could be done only at 5.0 cm or larger. He did say, however, that he d like to see me in 6 months for follow up. This is concerning to me as there is conflicting info from this recent echo from the cardiologist (claiming it was 3.8 cm) and the echo that was done by the cardio surgeon back in august of 2013 which was reported at 4.0. What should I do? Should I request a copy of the report done in 2013 done by the cardio surgeon and give it to the cardiologist I m seeing now? I know the number is not so serious for surgery yet, but I d be more comfortable having the correct number in the monitoring process.
Mon, 13 Apr 2015
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hi,

Actually, there can be some variabilities between echocardiograms, there can be interoperator and intraoperator variability. And small differences are acceptable. According to your results, there is difference of 2 mm, it is ok. The important thing is the aorta didn't dilated since the last exam.
Also you should consider that your aorta is not dilated as much to undergo an operation. 40 mm is not that dangerous and there is a need only for follow up.

Hope I could help you

Wishing you good health

In case of further questions don't hesitate to ask

Regards,
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What Is The Suggestion For Conflicting Reports In Echo Cardiogram About Ascending Arota?

Hi, Actually, there can be some variabilities between echocardiograms, there can be interoperator and intraoperator variability. And small differences are acceptable. According to your results, there is difference of 2 mm, it is ok. The important thing is the aorta didn t dilated since the last exam. Also you should consider that your aorta is not dilated as much to undergo an operation. 40 mm is not that dangerous and there is a need only for follow up. Hope I could help you Wishing you good health In case of further questions don t hesitate to ask Regards,