Rate of Ascending Aneurysm?

[Daunted]

How quickly can an ascending aneurysm increase? If it was 4.6 three months ago how big could it be now? Thanks.

[Red_Baron]

Hi Daunted

It varies. Mine was growing about 1mm every year then grew 5mm in one year which was the trigger for them to operate. You’re in the best hands now. They’ll keep scanning you to keep an eye on you and may suggest an angiogram if they haven’t already. In the run up to my op it felt like I was in hospital every week (I wasn’t) but they are very attentive.

We’re all here for you so don’t worry and keep the questions coming. Just follow your cardiologist’s advice and go steady.

Best

Nigel

[Daunted in reply to Red_Baron]

Is an aniogram a CT scan? I have to wait 3 weeks for that, meanwhile my minds thinking all sorts of scenarios.

[JulianM]

On average, according to papers from John Elefteriades' group at Yale, enlarged ascending aortas grow at less than 1mm per year. However, this average is probably made up of a large majority that hardly grow at all for years and a minority that grow faster, at least from time to time. Mine enlarged from 4.6cm to 4.9cm in 9 months. I count myself extremely lucky to know at this stage, because it means there may be better surgical options than if it were discovered later. I'm looking at PEARS (personalised external aortic root support) as an alternative to replacing the aorta, and hoping it means I can look forward to a faster recovery, and higher level of physical activity after the operation, than would otherwise be possible. But results from planned, non-emergency, surgery are consistently better than from more urgent surgery, regardless of the operation decided on. Look after yourself, investigate your options, and work out what you want to happen and how you will get the support you will need, before any decisions are forced on you. All the very best!