Family history of aorta problems

[csutherland]

I'm getting pretty suspicious that this aortic valve/aneurysm thing runs in Jerry's family. He has two cousins (brothers), both in their 70's who have had AVR and one of them also has an aneurysm in the same place Jerry does--the ascending aorta. I've learned that an aneurysm of the ascending aorta is much rarer than abdominal. The father of these two cousins also died suddenly around the age of 50. This was back in the early 1940's and they chalked it up to heart attack. On the other hand, Jerry's dad lived to be almost 95.

I'm also confused about dissecting vs ruptured. I know that ruptured is pretty much a death sentence, but I see different ones posting here that have a dissecting aorta. In my research I've found some pretty scary tales about that too. I need some explanation of the difference.

BTW, we have an app't with the surgeon on the 25th. Have no idea whether he'll want to go ahead with surgery. I wish it was either already at 5.5 or below 4.0 cm! This 5.2 is too close for comfort. They usually don't operate till about 5.5.

 

[strawberry]

Are they on the tall side with long limbs and fingers? Marfan's syndrome is hereditary with aorta problems.

 

[csutherland]

I've thought about that but, oddly enough, of all these guys Jerry's the only one to fit that description. The others are right down rotund. As I mentioned last week in a different thread nothing has ever been said about a bi-leaflet aorta either. Isn't that typical of Marfan's?

I've know a couple of people with Marfan's and they were much taller and had bad eyes. Jerry's 6-2 and didn't even wear reading glasses until he was past 40.

 

[Karlynn]

My Mom died of a dissecting aortic aneurysm at 73. She was a heavy smoker most of her life, which I think was the major contributor. But my cardiologist did say that dissecting ascending aortic aneurysms can be hereditary. Just a little FYI of the little I know.

 

[bethanne]

there are several postings regarding this topic, well worth reading...

The bi-cuspid aortic valve (congenital) & dilated ascending aorta can be characteristic of a connective tissue disorder... There are several schools of thought regarding this topic.

Cedars Sinai tend to recommend surgery on aorta at 4.5 cm (you can verify that info on their website), whereas St. Lukes (Houston, TX) recommends surgery at 5 cm. Of course the decision for surgery is never as simple as one measurement. Many factors come into to play when making the decision. I am sure there are those who will come along and offer more medical info...

 

[tobagotwo]

I agree with BethAnne's summary. It can run in families, and it can run with bicuspid valves, as part of an inclusive syndrome. While Marfan's is a direct indicator, it is but one of a diverse group of valve-related syndromes.

And, not to comfort smokers, but I really don't think smoking would be a causitive factor in someone who didn't already have the propensity for aortic aneurism.

I would definitely point out familiy history to the surgeon, as it should be extremely relevant information to him. 5.2 is just one number, when there are other factors to weigh.

Best wishes,

 

[McCln]

Well, in my faimly, it is quite simuliar. There are several of us. majority female, that have one form or another of aortic problems. So yes, it is heredity. On the smoking issue, it just irritates an already existing condition. I was a smoker for several years, quit over three years ago. I feel better and made the healing from surgery. But it may have hurt the original aortic valve worse with the smoking. Take care and come in anytime.

 

[tobagotwo]

I totally agree that the smoking could very well negatively affect the condition, if it is there. Nicotine is a strong vasoconstrictor, among other things.

I was only opining that the smoking would not likely have caused it all by itself.

I was a smoker, too. I think upon it now and realize it probably cost me some years with my original valve, even though I had quit before I found out about it. Me=idiot.

Best wishes,

 

[KathyH]

There is alot of evidence that show people with bi leaflet aortic valves usually have ascending aneurysms. From what I understand the valve and the aorta are forming in the embroyo at the same time and that is why they are related. You can also have a trileaflet aortic valve and still have an aortic aneurysm.I was told that my ascending aneurysm could have been caused by my leaking aortic valve. My doctor mentioned the "eccentric jet" of regurgation and the way it put pressure on my aorta. My pathology reports of my aorta did not mention any tissue abnormalities.

To try to answer your question csunderland,
The aortic vessel is made up of several layers of tissue. When the aortic layers start separating from blood going inbetween them they say the aneurysm is dissecting. A dissection can happen slowly or quickly. When they say it ruptured the blood is leaving the aorta and just going into your body- so you bleed to death rather quickly.
Good luck on your appt.
Kathy H

 

[inlaguna]

I was also told and read that my congenital defects would/could at least run in pairs. I had the coarc and the bicuspid valve repaired at separate times. I also found out about the ascending anuerysm at the time of my second surgery.....had that done too.

The doctor urged that my brother and sister have an echo as it was his feeling that this could run in families.

Dan