1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Incidental finding on CT scan.

Posted , 6 users are following.

karenjaninaz
karenjaninaz

Last week I unusual shortness of breath which turned out to be salycylate excess from patches and liniments used for piriformus/hamstring injury. To rule out pulmonary embolism a Ct scan was done- not found but descending aorta is has a "slightly aneurysmic swelling" 3.6cm in diameter was found in my ascending aorta. Could this be from PMR? I am 77 with normal BP but quite scoliotic even after corrective surgery.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH karenjaninaz

    Posted

    It is perfectly possible that your PMR was due to large vessel vasculitis - affecting the large arteries in the trunk, including the aorta. And that can predispose you to aortic enlargement. Patients who have had GCA should be monitored for an AA but it doesn't often happen automatically unless you have a really good rheumy and they tend not to think about it when your diagnosis was PMR. But people develop AAs even without PMR or pred.

    • karenjaninaz
      karenjaninaz EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks, Eileen.

      One problem I do have is misreading of CT scans due to glare from my extensive spinal instrumentation.

      Once before I ever had pmr my abdominal CT was read as: renal artery thrombosis. I asked for a renal consultant, he ordered an ultrasound of the kidneys and no thrombosis was found. Fortunately my medical background came in handy.

    • EileenH
      EileenH karenjaninaz

      Posted

      It really does help to have enough knowledge to ask the right questions! And ask for the correct info about potential artefacts to pass on in the future!

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.