ectasia of ascending aorta

[Tea349]

Is ectasia of ascending aorta that measures[ 4cm APx 4cm Transverse level of right pulmunary artery] a urgent medical condition? My cardiologis and my family physicion did't mentioned to me when they gave me the resul of the receant cat-scan. I found out when i requested a copy of my cat=scan from the hospital. I did ask again the cardiologist and he told me this might be a problem in 10 years depend how much it grows in a year. Should I go and see a surgeon for this issue? I feel at unease about knowing that I do heave a diluted aorta, I am very much worried. I also have a very mild case of Mitral/Aorta and Tricupid valve of 1+. Any answers to my question are very much appretiated. (I live in ontario, canada)

[nickppatel]

Research ARB drugs and their role in healing aortic dilatations.  You can use Google or click on my screenname to view my prior posts on this topic.

[Tea349]

Thank you very much for your help. I did see my family doctor and the Cardiologist and they both said that is not to be worried. They will check me in a year to see any changes. The cat-scan reported as "essentially negative". They are not worried, but I am. Thanks again Tea

[kenkeith]

Generally, an ascending aorta greater than 4.0 cm is medically considered dilated and when the size increases to 5.0 cm the condition increases the risk of a rupture and may require intervention.  The condition should be closely followed to observe any fast growth...fast growth would be 0.05 per year if I remember correctly.

Q: 4cm APx 4cm Transverse level of right pulmunary artery]

.....Transverse level is a section of the aorta that was measured.  The measurement of aortic diameters, as follows: 1, aortic valve sinus; 2, ascending aorta at the level of the right pulmonary artery; 3, proximal to the innominate artery; 4, proximal transverse aortic arch; 5, distal transverse aortic arch; and 6, aortic isthmus.

Hope this helps provide some insight and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care,

Ken