Question 1

is a 3.8 cm descending aorta an ectasia or an aneurysm and what is the difference? can anything be done to decrease it or keep it from increasing ?

Accepted Answer

Vascular evaluation: ectasia refer to a loosening or widening of the aorta- an aneurysm refer to a ballooning or wall weakness, Usually benign under 5 cm.

Question 2

i am a 74 year old male in good health. i recently had a ct-calcium scan that revealed a a 3.1 cm fusiform aneurysm/ectasia of the descending thoracic aorta. how concerned should i be? my calcium score was 32.1?

Accepted Answer

: This needs a consult from a vascular surgeons . Generally many aneurysms this size may be observed- depending on other factors

Question 3

what to do if i'm 31 and i just found out that i have an aneurysm on my aorta. what to do if i'm very scared. does anyone have any info that they can share with me?

Accepted Answer

Depends: What part of your aorta? What size? Do you have Marfan's, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, annulo-aortic ectasia, or family hx of aortic aneurysm or sudden or unexpected death?

Question 4

should a person with aorta aneurysm ride on a roller coaster?

Accepted Answer

Aortic aneurysm: I would not recommend that a person with a significant aortic aneurysm ride a roller coaster.

Question 5

what is the difference between aortic aneurysm and a regular aorta?

Accepted Answer

Ballooning: In an aneurysm, a segment of the aorta dilates or balloons out. We measure the diameter of the blood vessel to see how severe that ballooning is. There is a weak area in the artery and as the artery expands, the risk that it could rupture increases.

Question 6

what's the newest surgical procedure for an aneurysm of the ascending aorta?

Accepted Answer

Covered Stent: The latest treatment modality for an ascending aortic aneurysm would be an endograft (covered stent). One of the challenges is maintaining flow to the great vessels of the aortic arch. Branched and fenestrated endografts are currently being developed and tested to accommodate the aortic arch and the ascending thoracic aorta.

Question 7

what is the latest surgical procedure for an aneurysm of your ascending aorta?

Accepted Answer

Stent grafts: Special stent graft techniques are being researched to allow for preservation of the aortic arch branches and avoid a more invasive chest incision. Treatment of ascending aorta aneurysms involving the coronary arteries still will require bypass surgery, although may be combined with stent graft techniques.

Question 8

someone with a aorta aneurysm and a hernia what limitations should they have as far as the amount of weight they can lift?

Accepted Answer

Aneurysm: You want to prevent the blood pressure rise that comes with straining against weight. Probably ten pounds would be ok.

Question 9

what causes ascending aorta aneurysms?

Accepted Answer

Unclear: Atherosclerosis
syphilis
hypertension
congenital and familial syndromes and collagen diseases marfan, ehlers danlos

all these entities are associated and there are theories of genetic flaws or ischemia of the wall etc.

Question 10

what weight training is ok for a aneurysm aorta?

Accepted Answer

It depends: If only mild than probably ok ...More than that wouldn't recommend ....Also requires serial evaluation.

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Doctor answers about:

Aorta ectasia vs aneurysm

A member asked:

Is a 3.8 cm descending aorta an ectasia or an aneurysm and what is the difference? can anything be done to decrease it or keep it from increasing ?

A member asked:

I am a 74 year old male in good health. i recently had a ct-calcium scan that revealed a a 3.1 cm fusiform aneurysm/ectasia of the descending thoracic aorta. how concerned should i be? my calcium score was 32.1?

A member asked:

What to do if i'm 31 and i just found out that i have an aneurysm on my aorta. what to do if i'm very scared. does anyone have any info that they can share with me?

A member asked:

Should a person with aorta aneurysm ride on a roller coaster?

A member asked:

What is the difference between aortic aneurysm and a regular aorta?

A member asked:

What's the newest surgical procedure for an aneurysm of the ascending aorta?

A member asked:

What is the latest surgical procedure for an aneurysm of your ascending aorta?

A member asked:

Someone with a aorta aneurysm and a hernia what limitations should they have as far as the amount of weight they can lift?

A member asked:

What causes ascending aorta aneurysms?

A member asked:

What weight training is ok for a aneurysm aorta?

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