dilated aortic sinus of Valsalva

[foxglove1]

Hello

has anyone following an echocardiogram been told they have

a dilated aortic sinus Valsalva of 4.2cm. I am anxious that this means an operation. Everything else was within normal measurements.

thank you

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Aneurysms are either monitored or operated on depending on their size. For your type of aneurysm I believe surgery is considered at around 5cm (note I am not medically qualified and your cardiologist can be more specific). Where they decide to monitor it is usually treated with BP medication and beta-blockers (to lower heart rate).

For the time being I suspect it will be a case of regular echocardiograms.

[foxglove1 in reply to MichaelJH]

thank you Michael for getting back so promptly. I dont know enough about any operation to repair and frightening myself. Plan to see cardiologist soon to discuss.

thanks again

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to foxglove1]

Glad to have been of help. I had a quadruple bypass so do not feel qualified to comment on the type of surgery you may need. In your position I would call the BHF nurses today on 0300 330 3311 who will be able to give you more information and reassurance.

[Blackandwhitespaniel]

Hello Foxglove1. I wrote a post last week about my emergency operation to repair a torn aneurysm of Sinus of Valsalva and had one reply from someone like yourself who had just been diagnosed with this comparatively rare condition. I also had an echocardiogram which revealed a dilation of the aorta in that place after suffering viral pericarditis in the Spring. This was followed by a CT scan which revealed the extent of the problem and I was recalled urgently for emergency surgery 8 weeks ago as the aneurysm was 6cms and had torn. It was a great shock as I was symptom free and felt well and was very active for my 79 years. I didn’t have time to worry before my operation but the risks were all explained to me and the open heart surgery to repair the aneurysm was carried out very successfully and I was discharged after 7 days and am making a good recovery, the scar is fading rapidly and I feel stronger every day. I am taking Ramipril and Bisoprolol both 2.5mgs daily to keep my blood pressure down and have an appointment with the cardiac rehab nurses next week. There’s no point in me telling you not to worry because now that I have time to reflect I feel very anxious at times and I am aware of my heart all the time but I’m sure you will be well monitored and if you have to have an operation I hope my experience will help. I received the best of care available on the NHS and feel so grateful. Best wishes.

[foxglove1 in reply to Blackandwhitespaniel]

Hello Black and White spaniel

Apologies for not replying sooner.

You have been through so much that I feel myquestion was very insignificant .

Well done that you recovered so quickly. It must be a huge relief.

I am not sure of the significance of 4.2cm, and looking back at previous echos one said the measurement was 4.2 followed by one the following year at 4 And now a month ago back to 4.2.

I need to see my cardiologist to

explain it to me. Hopefully.

Again great to hear you have recovered speedily, and indeed that it was discovered in time, avoiding anything more serious.

Best wishes

[Infinity99 in reply to foxglove1]

Hi foxglove1,

I have just been told that I have an enlarged sinus of valsalva of 5cms. I have my aortic valve replaced 4 years ago so I have been told it’s highly likely I will need another open heart surgical procedure to repair it. Very disappointing. I am seeing the heart Surgeon in January and I am writing to see how you are getting on now.

Best wishes

[foxglove1 in reply to Infinity99]

Hello Infinity99

I have been looking through the posts and wondering what the result of your seeing your cardiac surgeon in January was. I do hope it was good news.

All the best

[Infinity99 in reply to foxglove1]

Hello Foxglove1,

Thanks for your message. My cardiologist told me that one of the consultants might have measured the aneurysm differently that he did originally. He told me that in his opinion it is the same size as when he did fitted the mechanical valve in 2014 and it hasn’t changed. Huge relief! All the best to you as well.