Aortic aneurysm
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Warrick
Well-known member
As I understand it between normal size (around 3.5-3.7cm) and 4.5cm is considered dialated and 4.5cm and above is aneurysmal.
pellicle
Professional Dingbat, Guru and Merkintologist
Hi
from: Aortic Aneurysm | ANZSVS
When do aortic aneurysms require treatment?
In healthy people the aorta (the main blood vessel that becomes swollen) is usually about 2.0-2.5 cms (20-25mm) in diameter although this can vary with age and whether you are a man or a woman. We know from two large studies in the USA and UK (Lederle FA et al, 2002) that aneurysms less than 5.5 cms (55mm) across can be safely watched as long as they are monitored on a regular basis. For aneurysms less than 4.4 cms across or less, a yearly ultrasound scan is sufficient to monitor aneurysm growth. For aneurysms between 4.5 and 4.9 cms across, a scan every 6 months is advised. An aneurysm greater than 5.0 cms across requires scans every 3 months although there is some variation in recommendations.
When an aneurysm reaches 5.5 cms most surgeons would consider offering surgical intervention. This is because, at this size, the aneurysm has a greater risk of rupture. It then becomes as safe to have an operation to repair the aneurysm, as it is to leave the aneurysm alone. Surgery may also be considered if your aneurysm is rapidly expanding on regular scans or it starts to cause other complications (see above). Rapid expansion means more than 7mm in 6 months or 10mm in one year.
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Best Wishes
from: Aortic Aneurysm | ANZSVS
When do aortic aneurysms require treatment?
In healthy people the aorta (the main blood vessel that becomes swollen) is usually about 2.0-2.5 cms (20-25mm) in diameter although this can vary with age and whether you are a man or a woman. We know from two large studies in the USA and UK (Lederle FA et al, 2002) that aneurysms less than 5.5 cms (55mm) across can be safely watched as long as they are monitored on a regular basis. For aneurysms less than 4.4 cms across or less, a yearly ultrasound scan is sufficient to monitor aneurysm growth. For aneurysms between 4.5 and 4.9 cms across, a scan every 6 months is advised. An aneurysm greater than 5.0 cms across requires scans every 3 months although there is some variation in recommendations.
When an aneurysm reaches 5.5 cms most surgeons would consider offering surgical intervention. This is because, at this size, the aneurysm has a greater risk of rupture. It then becomes as safe to have an operation to repair the aneurysm, as it is to leave the aneurysm alone. Surgery may also be considered if your aneurysm is rapidly expanding on regular scans or it starts to cause other complications (see above). Rapid expansion means more than 7mm in 6 months or 10mm in one year.
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Best Wishes
KatherineA
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- Feb 3, 2020
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When my aortic valve was replaced in Cleveland Clinic in January, my aortic aneurysm was about 4.5. They did what the referred to as a nip tuck on the aneurysm area, reducing the size without doing a whole resection thing. I think it is a better way to deal with it than wait, especially, if it can be done with valve replacement.
BillDaThrill
Well-known member
Thank you for that snippet Pellicle. KatherineA - do you have more info you can share about the nip tuck on the aneurysm. Never heard of that, always thought they cut it out and went back with a dacron sleeve. Who was you surgeon at Cleveland? Hope to go there when it is my time (sitting at 4.6 cm). Thanks!
KatherineA
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@BillDaThrill my surgeon was Dr Svensson. From what I understand, the nip tuck is just that. They make the aorta smaller by putting something like a sewing dart in it. Like a dart in a skirt or shirt. Reduces the size by but without being so invasive. I’m sorry I don’t know more. I just was grateful there wasn’t going to be a whole new section put in. I stink at asking questions.
