Preventative MRI's/CT's to Detect Possible future Aneursym's

[Magic8Ball]

Who of you out there with BAV or aortic aneursym's have also taken the step to get a full scan done to check for other aneursym's using an MRI or CT scan?

I mentioned it to my cardio at the last check up and he didn't seem keen saying that it was very rare and that no-one he'd ever seen had had further problems.

Its just been playing on my mind a little and i didn't know whether to push the issue at the next checkup. Brain aneursym is probaby my major concern.

I'd be interested in the number of others who had pushed and had it done themselves?

 

[Bradley White]

If you do go ahead and start having scans regularly I would recommend MRIs. Exposing yourself to the amount of radiation given off by a CT scan once every couple years does not seem like a good idea.

Best,

Brad

 

[JudithD23]

I have a call and a request in to Tom's cardiologist for him to order an MRI of Tom's heart to determine size and/or existence of an aneurysm. Both Tom's cardiologist and the first heart surgeon (second to be met tomorrow) say it's not an aneurysm just a spot on the aorta that's a bit altered due to the higher velocity of blood coming out of the narrowed valve and it should return to normal once the valve is replaced, over time. To be certain, I would like Tom to have the MRI, especially since it's not invasive and carries little or no risk, as far as I know. I wonder why the Drs are so hesitant to okay or order the test, especially since the echo is not definitive.

Judith

 

[briansmom]

My son had an echo on his stomach to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. I too have thought about asking for a CT to check for a brain aneurysm, but at this point he has been through and is still going through so much that I haven't pushed it yet.

 

[MrP]

Both Tom's cardiologist and the first heart surgeon (second to be met tomorrow) say it's not an aneurysm just a spot on the aorta that's a bit altered due to the higher velocity of blood coming out of the narrowed valve and it should return to normal once the valve is replaced, over time.

It is my understanding that if dilated or enlarged due to hemodynamic effects from the defective aortic valve, the aorta will never return to normal after valve replacement. I'm not sure what is meant by "a bit altered", but you are right on to ask for an MRI or CT-64 slice to determine whether or not an aneurysm exists and needs to be resected at the same time as valve replacement. If this is the case, you may want to consider an aortic specialist for your choice of surgeon.
MrP

 

[Magic8Ball]

Believe me, if i die from radiation poisoning before i die of anything else there will be a very very suprised look on my face....

 

[Mike C]

I have a ct scan coming up in a couple months. Cardio didnt mention but when I asked he said fine. Its 2.5 years after ascending aorta was replaced.

probably will request them every so often, not sure of timeframe, if arch looks fine, maybe every five years or so.

 

[JudithD23]

We're persuing Tom having an MRI. Our second heart surgeon appt was cancelled for today, it's rescheduled for tomorrow, the Dr. had an emergency 8 hr procedure he just went into.

So we'll see.

Thanks for your invaluable input.

Judith

 

[csutherland]

Jerry's current cardio suggested (or at least agreed when Jerry suggested) an MRI to check for abdominal aneurysm. This is quite different from his first cardio who showed absolutely zero interest in the 5.3 ascending aortic aneurysm that was found in '05. BTW, he just had his yearly CT scan to check that last week. Haven't received results yet.

 

[tcopel]

I think that it is prudent to have surveillance studies periodically in particular those individuals with the possbility of connective tissue disorders. There are a variety of types of CTD, some that defy diagnostic tests and are clinical diagnosis (meaning you are diagnosed after the aneursym are found by symptoms or autopsy). I believe one should be proactive and check from time to time, although I have to admit, having CT scans are quite unnerving waiting for those darn results. PTSD!

 

[aussigal]

I had everywhere scanned before my OHS. I got a " if you really want to" look from my Cardio when I requested a brain scan. I was very relieved when it came back normal with no aneurysms. I think this is something we should all consider having done every few years.

 

[harleygirl528]

Just came across this post and found it quite interesting. Dr. Raissi at Cedars Sinai told me that those of us with aortic aneurysms (and most like connective tissue disorders) are ten times more likely to also develop brain aneurysms. During their routine treatment of aortic aneurysms at Cedars a brain MRI is also part of the treatment/screening regimen. Fortunately, my MRI came out clear...but I would rather have this information. Turns out many brain aneurysms can be treated on a minimally invasive basis via stents!

 

[alpha 1]

mayo clinic

mayo clinic

To Bradley White,
How did you like the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Dearani? I have never heard anything bad about him. Would you recommend him? Do you know if he does repairs for aotic valves? It is almost 3 am and I still can't sleep. It would be nice if depression would go away. Thanks and talk to you later.

Janice-alpha 1

 

[alpha 1]

Deanne,
Boy Brian must have gone through a lot for his young age. He is even younger than my son. My son has gone through a lot of the testing.
we will have surgery soon. I just hope we get the right doctor, I have gotten a lot of imput from this sight to help me in my search. So everyone is very helpful. Does Brian deal with it pretty good. My Adam is going through a difficult time. We all are. Very sad situation. I will keep praying for all of you.

Janice

 

[alpha 1]

ct scans

ct scans

Oaktree,
Is it really like hiroshima to have a ct scan done of your chest? My son just had one recently and I didn't know it was that dangerous. I would have suggested a MRI, but who would have listened anyway.

Janice-alpha 1