Thoracic Aneurysm at 30 looking for advice?

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A few weeks ago after seeing a cardiologist & having a ct scan I was told I have a thoracic aneurysm at 4.2 and started on a beta blocker for it. I return in 6 months time for another ct scan but am only begining to get my head around it now. Ive just turned 30 was runnin 4 times a week am slim and was fit & healthy. I have 2 beautiful children and was looking forward & planning on having another baby in the future but my doc said that a pregnancy might only make things worse & progress rapidly. Has anyone ever heard of this in someone so young or a case like this & what was the outcome? 

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5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hello Casey, yes, what a shock for you but unfortunately Aneusms have no respect where age is concernd. I am sure my now you have done a lot of research and have checked your family history. What you will have learned by now is it is just a wait and see where you go from hear.

    I was diagnosed with an pAortic Ascending Aneurysm 3.6cm in April 2013. Aged 60, like you very fit and healthy. Blood Pressure on the low side. My good news for you is there has been no change to date. Next scan due in May.

    All I can say to you is listen to your Cardiologist and follow his instructions and advise. 

    I was wondering why you were precripted Beta Blockers? 

    Take care.

    Ita

    • Posted

      Thanks Ita, I was started on a low dose beta blocker he said it can slow down the growth of the aneurysm for some people I will have to wait til my next ct scan in June to see. Sometimes I get so worried thinking can it rupture now at this size and the whole thing of waiting & not knowing is all very nerve racking.

      Take care,

      Casey 

  • Posted

    Hi. Casey. I am sorry to hear that you have .

    I hope this information would be helpful.

    It is more common finding in male, especially in their

    60s and 70s.

    There are several causes of thoracic aorta aneurysm.

    It could be caused by inflammation, infection, or it is also genetically predisposed.

    It can be divided as asending aorta aneurysm, aortic arch aneurysm, descending aorta aneurysm by its location.

    And it grows 0.1cm to 1 cm every year depending upon current diameter, etiology, and location.

    It is advised to regulate your systolic blood pressure.

    And beta blocker is the mainstay treatment for people who have high blood pressure but are not candidates for operation.

    Usually if it grows over 5 or 6 cm , or if it grows 1cm by year(when it is rapidly dilating) you are advised to repair your aneurysm, but if you are a small sized woman, your doctor could recommend operation before it reaches the size.

    And also there are various indications for various different conditions.

    I don't have deep medical background for the disease but if you have more questions, I will find some more detailed information as much as I can.

    • Posted

      Hi Jongwoo,

      Thanks for your reply I went to see a cardiothoracic surgeon las week who thinks I have a bicuspid valve as I have no other relevant family history. I never knew thr was such a thing but have come to learn an awful lot in the last few months. The consultant told me if it is bicuspid then it needs to be repaired  at 4.5. If it is I'm wondering if the beta blocker will just prolong things now.  

      Take care,

      Casey

    • Posted

      Hi Casey.

      Yes. Beta blocker will definately help your condition. It will lower your blood pressure so that your high blood pressure has no harm to your aorta. And it is known to slower aortic dilation.

      If you have bicuspid valve, like you were consulted, you need early operation.

      And bicuspid valve itself predispose to have several complications, especially aortic valve stenosis.

      So bicuspid aortic valve is usually replaced at the same time your dilated aorta is repaired.

      Take care,

      Jongwoo

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