Thoracic aorta enlarged

[Carol]

My husband heard yesterday that he needs to see a cardiologist. I had him have the calcium scoring test done about a month ago, and from that test the radiologist noticed he had an enlarged thoracic aorta at 4. I guess 3 1/2 is normal. His calcium score was low, which is good. I know that this is not a valve issue, but I was wondering if anyone would happen to know anything about this? He is a diabetic and on the pump, but has had no heart problems. My problems have always dealt with my mitral valve, so it is all new to me. I went to a health site lastnight and it mentioned that this could be an aneursym (sp), which could be taken care of with medicine or surgery.

I would appreciate any information that any of you might have on this.

Thanks.

 

[KathyH]

Hi Carol,
I am not sure what kind of xray is done for the calcium test, but I would say they will probably want to get a CT scan or MRI to measure the aorta more accurately. I found out my aorta was enlarged when they did a TEE, Dr thought it was 4.3, and put me on atenolol and did a CT scan which measured it at 4.7. Then it was CT scans every 6 months. I had severe aortic regurgitation so they fixed everything up at once. Your husbands diabetes would not have caused this problem, but is certainly something to keep in mind with his treatment. Good Luck.
Kathy H

 

[Arlyss]

To Help with Your Research

To Help with Your Research

Hi Carol,

Here are two sites that will give you information about the aorta.

http://www.bicuspidfoundation.com

http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/aorta

Best Wishes,
Arlyss