Enlarged Aorta

[northwesterner]

I have ha GCA/PMR for four years now. I have been able to keep it at bay for the most part. I now have developed an enlarged descending Aorta that may need surgery in a year or two... can this be another evil byproduct of GCA?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Sorry to hear that, but could well be.

See one “official” description of GCA -

“GCA is classified as a large-vessel vasculitis but typically also involves medium and small arteries, particularly the superficial temporal arteries—hence the term temporal arteritis. In addition, GCA most commonly affects the ophthalmic, occipital, vertebral, posterior ciliary, and proximal vertebral arteries. Medium- and large-sized vessels that may be involved include the aorta and the carotid, subclavian, and iliac artery”.

[northwesterner in reply to DorsetLady]

I feared as much... I will be having echo cardiograms every six months now

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to northwesterner]

Excellent!!

[gifford7]

Yes GCA can cause aortitis. See:

cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/H...

"The most common causes of aortitis are GCA and another inflammatory disease (rheumatologic) known as Takayasu's arteritis."

[northwesterner in reply to gifford7]

Thank you for confirming my fears

[gifford7 in reply to northwesterner]

Also see: healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

You should have periodic checks of the bloods [CRP, ESR] to ensure the disease is well controlled with pred to hopefully slow or stop progression of aortitis.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I fear so - aortic aneurysm can be a late consequence of GCA and we should be monitored for it. GCA itself is rare, but is the most common cause of nonatheromatous aortic aneurysm with there being double the risk in GCA patients compared with the general population. It is still very rare though.

There is a general screening programme for men over 65 in the UK for abdominal aneurysm and we can request to be included but that doesn't help with the part of the aorta in the chest. They recommend chest x-rays at intervals but they are rarely done unless you are lucky enough to have an aware rheumy.

[northwesterner in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for being there! Your support and info has been very helpful for me. I have found more information on this site than in my doctors office.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to northwesterner]

Thank you

[bunnymom in reply to northwesterner]

Amen to that!

[Marijo1951]

Oh lovely, another potential risk to be aware of... What would we do without the expertise of some members of this forum? I'm sure my rheumy will never tell me about it.

[cornishjan]

Since being diagnosed with GCA I've developed inflammation in the aorta, sub Flavian and some other artery (I panicked and couldn't remember more). I'm on Metoject and the inflammation is now much less. You are not alone.

[Rimmy]

Sorry to read you have this additional problem northwesterner - it's all we 'need' (not) to have extra to deal with - but on the 'bright' side 'good' that they were on to it - I sometimes wonder how many people with GCA and its potentially damaging 'progeny' become dangerously ill before anyone realises just 'what' is going on. We all need to stay aware of these potentialities. Hope it is all bought under control for you in the least complicated way. All good wishes

Rimmy