Question 1

what is ectatic thoracic aorta (active)? should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Not to Worry: The aorta is the largest artery. It is the tube that carries blood from the heart and sends  branches to the rest of the body. If that tube is a little wider than usual (perhaps related to high blood pressure), it is ectatic. If the widening increases, it is said to be aneurysmal. About one in 5 will progress like this according to one study. Ectasia is not a problem in and of itself.

Question 2

the ascending thoracic aorta is mildly ectatic 3.7cm in diameter. the remaining visualized thoracic aorta is within normal limits. is there any problem?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: If abnormality seen, it would be reported. It also depends on what type of study this was reported on. Echocardiogram and ct scan are the most common studies where the ascending aorta is seen and reported. Ct is a better study at accurately measuring the aorta.

Question 3

can you see a dilated aortic root/ascending aorta in a taller, heavier male? 6 foot 2 inches and 260 pounds. aortic root has measured 3.89 and ascending at 3.66. cmri showed thoracic aorta is "normal in course, caliber, contour". worried, thanks?

Accepted Answer

Normal: Those measurements are still within the realm of normal for a male especially of bigger than average size. If there is history in your family of aortic problems or sudden death it may be wise to have periodic echos monitored by cardiologist and to do things to control your blood pressure and protect your vascular health like no smoking, regular exercise and reasonable diet.

Question 4

what is "tortuous thoracic aorta and is it serious?

Accepted Answer

No : It's a radiographic description and it has no clinical implications. It doesn't cause symptoms and it isn't a risk factor for rupture.

Question 5

what does this mean? unfolding of descending thoracic aorta?

Accepted Answer

Ht: due to Ht the widens before enlargement if BP is not controlled

Question 6

31+0.16 x age= upper normal limits for ascending thoracic aorta in mm.is above (study) formula accurate for men who are between 60 and 65 years of age?

Accepted Answer

Dilated aorta: The formula predicts an ascending aorta size of ~41mm for someone 60-65, which is above the upper limit of "normal", 22-36mm. The ascending aorta enlarges with age, especially if there is hypertension, so 41mm is dilated. Anything above 45 mm is considered an aneurysm. The risk of rupture increases rapidly with size; aneurysms &gt;60 mm have a 5-yr rupture risk of 31%  (vs 16% if less than 60mm)

Question 7

please describe the normal diameter for thoracic aorta?

Accepted Answer

Aorta: 2.5 to 3.5cm range.

Question 8

no known conditions, healthy weight and lifestyle. lower part of thoracic aorta 4.7cm. how risky is it and how worried should i be? 33 year old woman?

Accepted Answer

: You have thoracic dilation/aneurysm of the descending aorta and I assume you are completely asymptomatic. You need to follow with a cardiologist or a cardiothoracic surgeon for monitoring this vascular abnormality. Continue your healthy life style and monitor blood pressure. Surgery will be needed if diameter above 5.5 cm or it expands rapidly, equal or above 0.5 cm (5 mm)/year.

Question 9

can docs explain what does unfolding of descending thoracic aorta mean?

Accepted Answer

Xray: This is a chest xray appearance of a widening of the normal aortic arch curve in the superior thorax. It does not necessarily have pathologic import though it is often seen in older patients and those with hypertension and atherosclerotic disease.

Question 10

what does it mean if the heart is enlarged in transverse diameter with unfolding thoracic aorta?

Accepted Answer

U r reading too much: You read technical phrases on an echocardiogram that by itself and without a clinical context has very little meaning. Discuss the whole report with the person who ordered it and DO NOT waste time, energy and anxiety reading technical jargon that may not mean much.

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Doctor answers about:

Ectatic thoracic aorta

A member asked:

What is ectatic thoracic aorta (active)? should i be concerned?

A member asked:

The ascending thoracic aorta is mildly ectatic 3.7cm in diameter. the remaining visualized thoracic aorta is within normal limits. is there any problem?

A member asked:

Can you see a dilated aortic root/ascending aorta in a taller, heavier male? 6 foot 2 inches and 260 pounds. aortic root has measured 3.89 and ascending at 3.66. cmri showed thoracic aorta is "normal in course, caliber, contour". worried, thanks?

A member asked:

What is "tortuous thoracic aorta and is it serious?

A member asked:

What does this mean? unfolding of descending thoracic aorta?

A member asked:

31+0.16 x age= upper normal limits for ascending thoracic aorta in mm.is above (study) formula accurate for men who are between 60 and 65 years of age?

A member asked:

Please describe the normal diameter for thoracic aorta?

A member asked:

No known conditions, healthy weight and lifestyle. lower part of thoracic aorta 4.7cm. how risky is it and how worried should i be? 33 year old woman?

A member asked:

Can docs explain what does unfolding of descending thoracic aorta mean?

A member asked:

What does it mean if the heart is enlarged in transverse diameter with unfolding thoracic aorta?

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