A 52-year-old male asked:
follow up ? re diagnosis of mild ectasia (3.8x3.7 cm) on ascending aorta via cardiac ct: have had chest x-rays in past years (2010) with only normal results. is this something an x-ray could miss?
3 doctor answers
Dr. Martin Morell answered
28 years experience Rheumatology
X-ray: Can only see so much, aneurysms only dangerous after certain dilation, with other factors like hypertension.
Answered on Jul 11, 2018
Dr. Barry Sheppard answered
33 years experience Thoracic Surgery
Yes: The degree of ascending aortic enlargement is small and would no be expected to be picked up on a regular chest x-ray. A ct scan or MRI would be needed to reliably image a mild aortic enlargement of the size you mention.
Follow up would be with repeat ct scan in 6 months and then yearly after that if no dramatic enlargement was seen in first 6 months. You should be on a beta blocker (medication).
Answered on Dec 8, 2017
1
1 thank
Dr. Michael Schwartz answered
32 years experience Vascular Surgery
Yes: Mild ectasia of the ascending aorta is almost impossible to pick up on a plain chest x-ray. You really need a cat scan for adequate follow-up.
Answered on Dec 8, 2017
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