MRI Results

[DavesMom]

I'm a 53-year old female with a bicuspid aortic and a history of two open-heart surgeries - the last was a aortic valve replacement/aneurysm repair in '99.

A CT scan in 2008 picked up aneurysms in the ascending aorta (4.5 cm), the braciocephalic artery (2.6 cm) and the origin of the left common carotid artery. There was no change last year and this year there was also no substantial change.

However, this year's report did say that the braciocephalic artery is now 2.8 cm and "markedly dilated."  The conclusion also stated (for the first time) that the aortic arch is aneurysmal.  I'm confused because the measurement of the arch is 3.2 and this doesn't sound bad to me.

So my question is: what are the normal measurements for the aortic arch, braciocephalic artery, and the origin of the left common carotid artery?  The fact that the braciocephalic artery is "markedly dilated" makes me a bit nervous. I'm assuming it could rupture but I won't see my cardiologist for another year.

Thanks in advance for any information.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Generally, The mean normal value for the aortic root annulus in men is 2.6 cm and for the proximal ascending aorta 2.9 cm . The upper normal limit for the ascending aorta is 2.1 cm/m2 (note per m2), so a value beyond 4 cm is regarded as an aneurysm, a lower value as ectasia. The normal value for the descending aorta is 1.6 cm/m2 for BSA, and aneurysm is present when a value of 3 cm is exceeded.  The aortic arch is inbetween those two structures.  I wasn't able to find exact references because these values aren't commonly reported here.  The fact that there is dilation of the brachiocephalic is concerning, but not as dangerous as the ascending dilation because these vessels typically aren't at risk for rupture.  At this point, you should continue to get the periodic screenig.  Since I am not an expert in the field of arotic arch disease, I will ask a colleague of mine to comment on these findings and will get back to you.  

[DavesMom]

Just wanted to add the exact wording from the report in case it makes any difference:

"The aortic arch between the brachiocephalic and right common carotid measures 3.2 cm."

Thanks again!