The four trials suggest no overall advantage with early surgery for small AAAs (4.0 cm to 5.5 cm). For example, a chest X-ray can show a bulging aorta. This will help control your blood pressure as well as your cholesterol levels. Its still not well understood why some people develop an aortic aneurysm while others dont. Incidence of descending aortic pathology and evaluation of the impact of thoracic endovascular aortic repair: a population-based study in England and Wales from 1999 to 2010. With the right treatment and close monitoring, you can rest easier knowing your risk of rupture is reduced. I am 50. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is also called AAA or triple A. 11. Davies and colleagues followed 304 patients with unoperated thoracic aortic aneurysms (dissection free at presentation) with aortic diameters 3.5 cm, for a . An aneurysm that size should also be repaired if youre going to have aortic valve surgery. Your age and overall health are also factors that affect your recovery speed. Unfortunately, there is no consensus or evidence that one criterion or composite of features precisely define such a group or predict within what time frame after diagnosis they are most susceptible to all-cause mortality. 2011;124:2661-2669. debris or blood clots from AAA that causes blockage in the blood flow into the legs. However, your doctor may recommend surgical repair of a small aneurysm thats growing more than 0.5 cm per year. Nevertheless, thoracic aneurysms feature a distinct pathobiology, as they are characterized by medial necrosis and mucoid infiltration, as well as elastin degradation and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis. Novel measurement of relative aortic size predicts rupture of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Circulation 2010], which recommend "avoidance of strenuous lifting, pushing, or straining" to reduce the risk of aortic dissection. Learn how we can help 4.6k views Answered >2 years ago Thank A 50-year-old female asked: Also after operation do you have to take daily medicines for life? The cardiologist said that it is in the nature of aneurysms to grow but it could remain the same for years. 2005;111:816-828. The aneurysm has grown quickly (more than 0.5 cm in six months or more than 1 cm in one year). 1993;17:357-368. Vascular Surgery Fellow family history, ( on my mom's . Medications to bring down your blood pressure include beta blockers, which also slow your heart rate, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It seems very different in the USA. 2013;46:533-541. You have more than one aneurysm along the length of the aorta. Submitted by Joann from Denver, Colorado It may also burst or rupture, spilling blood into the surrounding tissue (called a hemorrhage). Other groups have demonstrated similar results. There have been device-specific trials and registries that demonstrated the perioperative safety of this procedure, with 30-day mortality rates of 2.1% in the phase 2 multicenter trial of the TAG thoracic endoprosthesis (Gore & Associates) and 2% in the VALOR trial of the Talent thoracic stent graft system (Medtronic).9,10 Despite the protection that TEVAR confers against aortic rupture, patients treated with TEVAR appear to be at high risk of premature death from all causes (malignancy, cardiovascular, or other nonaortic-related causes) compared with age- and sex-matched populations of nonthoracic aneurysm patients.11. The situation of aortic aneurysm burst depends on several other related complications along with the ones mentioned before in the blog post. Aortic Aneurysm. With Timur P. Sarac, MD; Dittmar Bckler, MD, PhD; Moritz S. Bischoff, MD; Katrin Meisenbacher, MD; and Ian M. Loftus, MD, FRCS. Natural history of thoracic aortic aneurysms: indications for surgery, and surgical versus nonsurgical risks. Elefteriades showed that patients with aneurysms > 6 cm have a 14.1% annual risk of rupture, dissection, or death, compared with 6.5% for patients with aneurysms between 5 and 6 cm.16. This new procedure has been found highly successful by many doctors across America so get your self into consultation soon before theyre gone forever!. robhinchliffe@gmail.com Nonetheless I have stopped fussing over it and it hasn't grown anymore. December 10, 2019. . Based on this, they stratified patients into three groups: those with an ASI < 2.75 cm/m2 who were at low risk for rupture (4% per year), an ASI of 2.75 to 4.25 cm/m2 was considered moderate risk (8% per year), and those with an ASI > 4.25 cm/m2 were at high risk (20%25% per year). Hello Sonia, thank you so much for the information, I'll keep this in to my list. Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere in the aorta and may be tube-shaped (fusiform) or round (saccular). 2007;50:209-217. My blood pressure is low anyway so not needed. Makaroun MS, Dillavou ED, Kee ST, et al. Bulging can occur in any artery in your body. If symptoms are present, they may include: If the aorta ruptures, youll feel a sudden, sharp pain in your chest that extends to your back, between your shoulder blades. Get the facts on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options from medication to, A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the upper part of the aorta, your bodys largest artery. Other imaging tests that can detect an aortic aneurysm include: Once an aneurysm is discovered, the decision to treat it usually depends on its size or rate of growth. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital malformation of the aorta in which part of the aorta is constricted or narrowed. The thoracic aorta begins where the left ventricle ends at the aortic valve and continues down through the chest. Most people have an aortic valve with three flaps or leaflets that open and close with each heartbeat. Aneurysms anywhere in the body are dangerous because they can rupture and cause massive internal bleeding. Surgical repair is warranted at that size as well. Likewise, a small aneurysm thats causing symptoms should also be repaired. Posted The aorta is the lifeblood of our body and aneurysms can put pressure on it from all sides. After the aortic arch, the descending aorta tapers to about 2.5 cm. I've ask dr if I should've considered taking beta blockers for preventing it of growing but he said no, I don't need this. I hope you don't mind telling me where did you have your surgery done? Aortic aneurysms include: Abdominal aortic aneurysm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery becomes dangerous only if the patient is suffering from additional risk factors. I am only 5ft 2 which apparently is another risk factor for early rupture too. Therefore, it is still unclear if these new molecular imaging technologies can be helpful in the management of patients with TAAs. Aortic aneurysms at the site of the repair of coarctation of the aorta: a review of 48 patients. Pain in the chest or back. 3. Population-based outcomes of open descending thoracic aortic aneurysm repair. I had a follow up CT scan and then an MRI. American Family Physician. You may even observe a huge variability in the expansion rate among different patients and for a specific patient in different years. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Infection: Sometimes, certain infections can also weaken artery walls, including those in the aortic arch. Ascending and aortic arch aneurysms. 30. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? I think I overreacted at the time because I was a nurse and thought of the worst case outcome. My next mri is due in October and he has told me to phone him first. Until now, quitting cigarette smoking has proved to be the best and known way to reduce the problem of aneurysm enlargement. Adopt a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Survival after open versus endovascular thoracic aortic aneurysm repair in an observational study of the Medicare population. 5. They become more common with every decade of age. Get To Know What Possibly Could Be Causing Your Symptoms! A weakening of the artery wall in this region is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Only 5.3% of those with a diameter of 40 to 44 mm achieved the theoretical threshold size (55 mm) within 2 years. Aortic Aneurysms: The Most Dangerous Type. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Feel a pulse in your stomach? I had a private appointment with a cardiologist and asked him lots of questions and it put my mind at rest a bit. as being in breach of those terms. EVAR trial participants. The aorta is the main artery in your body that moves blood away from your heart the highway that disperses oxygen-rich blood. If the aorta is between three and four centimeters (cm) in diameter, the patient should return to the doctor every year for an ultrasound to see if the aneurysm has grown. An ascending aortic aneurysm is especially serious. High Cholesterol: 7 Things Doctors Want You to Know. Depending on the size of the aortic aneurysm and other factors, the aneurysm may press on adjacent organs (such as the esophagus or trachea) causing such symptoms as shortness of breath or pain in the chest or back (thoracic aortic aneurysm) or abdomen pain (abdominal aortic aneurysm). Went to the ER and they found the BAV with ascending aortic aneurysm measuring 4.7. I'm in a lot if stress. 17. Doctors diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm when the diameter within the aorta is 3 cm (centimeters) or greater. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. large AAA - 5.5cm or more across. The risk of rupturing gradually rises as the aorta grows in size. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Best wishes and try not to worry. More importantly, once it has widened, it will continue to do so. Statins are medications that can help lower your LDL cholesterol. AAAs typically begin below the renal arteries (infrarenal) but may include renal arterial ostia; about 50% involve the iliac arteries. . The archs downward portion, called the descending aorta, is connected to a network of arteries that supplies most of the body with oxygen-rich blood. Chances Of Getting Pregnant From Pulling Out. 20. Scali ST, Goodney PP, Walsh DB, et al. Am J Cardiol. How dangerous is a 4 cm aortic aneurysm? Manage Settings Endovascular Today (ISSN 1551-1944 print and ISSN 2689-792X online) is a publication dedicated to bringing you comprehensive coverage of all the latest technology, techniques, and developments in the endovascular field. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. One hundred and ninety-two patients with an intact AAA of 5 cm or greater in diameter were seen in 9 years; 59 . 18. Disclosures: None. Likely secondary to the destructive effects of tobacco use on connective tissue, a history of smoking is also strongly associated with the development of TAAs and is a predictor for aneurysm rupture.28. aorta dilate or bulge. In a recent study, Forsythe et al have examined the pathobiologic processes of AAA progression and rupture including neovascularization, necrotic inflammation, microcalcification, and proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix.20 With emerging cellular and molecular imaging techniques, there remains the potential to allow improved prediction of expansion or rupture and better guide elective surgical intervention for AAAs. A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the body's main artery (aorta) in the chest. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair With Stent In 6months. Diameter of 8cm or higher than that have risk between 3 in total 10 and 5 in total 10. Registered in England and Wales. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair With Stent, Best Hospital For Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Surgery, Life After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery, Life Expectancy After Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Is Non Allergic Rhinitis An Autoimmune Disease. Next Article Can an Aortic Aneurysm Go Away On Its Own? TEVAR has been proven to be a relatively safe procedure with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Even with surgery, theres a high risk of complications following a rupture. Can aortic aneurysm make you tired? Now all the time I'm on internet searching and looking in to videos with TAA surgeries and Im freaking out The difference though is that you are now 68 yrs and yours TAA might not growing any more, I'm still 53 Let's hope for the best, thanks again. However I am glad that it was found, because I get tested regularly and if it got worse action would be taken. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified 2006;81:169-177. Intact form of AAA i.e. Recovery After Aortic Aneurysm Repair: What to Expect, An ideal An ascending aortic aneurysm is often found during a routine checkup or an examination ordered for another condition. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2002;74:S1877-S1880. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is when the lower part of the aorta that extends through the abdominal area becomes enlarged. The aneurysm has grown quickly (more than 0.5 cm in six months or more than 1 cm in one year). I'm a European citizen living I the United Arab Emirates in Dubai at the moment and this is not a surgery someone would like to do in Dubai. sa i read all these stories, about thoracic aorta annerysms,.it calms my fears. Goodney PP, Travis L, Lucas FL, et al. It took 8yrs for it to start growing but once it started, it grew quickly. An aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta's wall is torn open. Is it possible to stay 4cm for ever? Are you ok now? 26. Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Symptoms and diagnosis. The aorta is the body's largest blood vessel. Ann Thorac Surg. 2016;103:1626-1633. Each of these complications mentioned here are of limb as well as life-threatening ones and when doctors diagnose them, they indicate for the requirement of repair or surgery. Like you it took a while to adjust to the fright of it all. Size of the aneurysm is considered a strong predictor of rupture risk. In a person with no symptoms, if the AAA is 4.0 to 5.5 cm in diameter, treatment depends on several factors, including: The size of the aneurysm If the aneurysm is expanding If there are symptoms If there are aneurysms in other blood vessels A person's surgical risk Because patients with high rates of growth and large aneurysm size are selected out for surgery, following the natural history of the disease in an unbiased manner is difficult. Doctors also call an aortic root aneurysm a dilated aortic root. If the aorta is between four and 4.5 cm, testing should be repeated every six months. Treatment options An aneurysm that is less than 5 cm may be monitored without surgery.. The aneurysm can burst completely, causing bleeding inside the body. Aortic pathology determines midterm outcome after endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta: report from the Medtronic Thoracic Endovascular Registry (MOTHER) database. If you have Marfans syndrome, your ascending aortic aneurysm should be repaired once it reaches 4.5 cm in diameter. The danger lies with ones less than 4 cm wide, as they have a very low chance of bursting but if one gets bigger then there is increasing possibility for rupture soon afterwards Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair With Stent The normal abdominal aorta is 2.0 cm. Ann Thorac Surg. I recently had by-pass surgery there. The bulging aneurysm can put pressure on the nerves or brain tissue. I have only radiologist's report which says "There has been mild interval increase in size of the ascending aortic aneurysm, fusiform dilatation being seen through 8-9 cm above the valve plane with maximum AP dimension of 5.2 cm compared with measurements of 4.8 cm on previous exam (Feb. 2011 which then actually was reported as 4.7 cm). In this procedure, a surgeon opens up your chest and replaces the damaged portion of your aorta with a synthetic tube called a graft. Incredibly the aorta pumps around 200,000,000 liters of blood around the body in a lifetime. While certain genetic diseases, acquired diseases (like high blood pressure), and unhealthy behaviors can increase your risk for aortic aneurysm, there are things you can do to help: Your doctor may also recommend medicines to help control your aortic aneurysm size. This article may contains scientific references. Get a tattoo or body piercing. All rights reserved. PMID: 29268916. Any thoracic aortic aneurysm 6 cm or larger requires surgery, but if the patient has Marfan syndrome or familial history of aneurysms, 5-cm aneurysms are considered for surgery. The mortality benefit means lives saved both literally as well, The risks of undergoing major surgery areevealing themselves in the form aortic aneurysms. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Editors choicemanagement of descending thoracic aorta diseases. I have an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm measuring 2.5 x 2.14 CM proximal, mid aortic measures 4.0 x 3.6 CM , the distal aorta measures 5.0 x 4.7 CM. Endovascular interventional endovascular grafting for treatment of aortic aneurysms has been used in the world for the past 2-3 decades and Vietnam several years ago to effectively treat aortic aneurysms. Evidences have suggested that expansion of aneurysms takes place at the average rate from 0.3cm to 0.4cm yearly and tends to expand at the fastest rate as compared to any small aneurysm. The aneurysm has ruptured or dissected. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. J Vasc Surg. Perko et al1 report a fivefold increase in cumulative hazard of rupture in aneurysms > 6 cm compared to those smaller than this threshold, as well as a 66% probability of rupture within 5 years. Thoracic aortic aneurysm. The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm ("AAA") has been reported to range from 2 to 12% and is found in about 8% of men more than 65 years of age. Thursday, January 26 2023 - Have a nice day! The reported 30% to 50% short-term mortality in patients with aortic aneurysm diameters >6 cm was, until fairly recently, the basis for recommendation of elective aortic surgery at 6 cm. The upward part of the arch, which is the section closest to the heart, is called the ascending aorta. Considering the available trials and registries that have demonstrated the high all-cause mortality in TAA patients, it would appear justified to increase the threshold in high-risk (complex comorbidities) patients or where the procedure is predicted to be technically difficult (ie, off label or outside the instructions for use). This occurs as a consequence of the weakness of the elastic lamina at the junction of the aortic media and the annulus fibrosis. Primary form of aortoentric fistula or an abnormal connection in between the bowel and the aorta, Thromboembolism i.e. Genetics: Certain inherited conditions are linked to a higher risk of ascending aortic aneurysms, including: These are called connective tissue disorders, and they can lead to many complications in addition to aortic aneurysms. The journal presents original contributions as well as a complete . Some ascending aortic aneurysms never rupture or cause any noticeable symptoms. Comparison of the effect on long-term outcomes in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms taking versus not taking a statin drug. How Dangerous Is A 4 Cm Aortic Aneurysm The aortic aneurysm is the most dangerous of all vessel diseases. On average, people living five years after their procedure with this condition in particular can rest assured knowing they will be alive soon though there are some cases where these numbers may not apply, In 1985, the life expectancy for a 25-year old was 27 years. The iliac arteries measure around 1 CM. Ascending aortic aneurysms: Pathology and indications for surgery. Pity because I wouldn't have taken up a job which required me to lift as much. upmc.com/services/heart-vascular/conditions-treatments/pages/ascending-aortic-arch-aneurysm.aspx, vascular.org/patient-resources/vascular-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20122075, escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-10/Ascending-aortic-aneurysms-pathophysiology-and-indications-for-surgery, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-diagnosis, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. This article does not provide medical advice. The long-term outlook for someone with an ascending aortic aneurysm is good if its repaired before it ruptures. J Vasc Surg. Risk of a sudden rupture These are the main factors that make a rupture more likely: The aneurysm is larger than 5.5 cm in diameter. Professor of Vascular Surgery Both showed the aneurysm to be 4.1 whereas the echo had stated 4.6. Like most arteries, the aorta is elastic, which allows it to be filled with blood under high pressure. When ascending aortic aneurysms meet the size criteria or co . Generally, about 2.3 inches (6 cm) is the critical size for atherosclerotic aneurysms. Risk of aneurysm rupture annually depends on its specific size, according to which- Less than diameter of 4cm has a risk of less than 1 among 200 in total Diameter between 4cm and 4.9cm have risk between 1 in total 200 and 1 in total 20 Diameter between 5cm and 5.9cm have risk between 1 in total 30 and 1 in total 7 The 2017 European Society for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines on descending thoracic aortic disease suggested that endovascular repair should be considered for descending TAAs > 60 mm diameter, as this is the diameter where risk of rupture sharply escalates (classification IIa, level B evidence).15 To evaluate the possible benefit of repair in a population with smaller aneurysms (< 55 mm), a randomized controlled trial would be necessary. Cardiol Young. However, large size of AAAs may rupture or burst and cause heavy bleeding in the abdominal area. The aortic diameter of more than 3.0 cm [1] . I am hoping if I can hang out for a few more years they will have developed a stent to fix it without the requirement for open heart surgery like they have for the lower down ones, that would be good. Enlargement in rupture or bulge tends to become highly rapid in smokers, while remain less rapid in diabetes mellitus patients. Only have mri once a year now. Achneck HE, Rizzo JA, Tranquilli M, Elefteriades JA. Cough. You have more than one aneurysm along the length of the aorta. A persons survival chance is unlikely after losing significant amounts blood due only atrioventricular valve mortgage surgery, Aortic root aneurysms are a serious medical condition where the first section of the aorta, which contains the aortic valve and is adjacent to our hearts ventricles (the plural form), becomes enlarged. There may be swelling around the tear, causing pain in different parts of your body. It's probably nothing serious. There are more than 10,000 deaths per year from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. 29. Circulation. Yearly rupture or dissection rates for thoracic aortic aneurysms: simple prediction based on size. J Vasc Surg. This article reviews all you need to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The one-year incidence of rupture is 9 percent for aneurysms 5.5 to 6.0 cm in diameter, 10 percent for 6.0 to 6.9 cm, and 33 percent for AAAs of 7.0 cm or more. Svensson LG, Rodriguez ER. No change. The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. I really appreciate your effort, take care. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. I had an echo and maintain yearly and a CT scan every 6mos. If the blood vessel ruptures, it could result in a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a kind of. Diehm N, Dick F, Schaffner T, et al. Bahia SS, Vidal-Diez A, Seshasai SR, et al. By 2000 this number had increased to 31 but due in part from advances made with medicine and surgery over time its now expected that people will live past their 65th birthday! This helps with managing other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and heart disease that can damage or weaken the walls of the aorta and increase the chance for rupture or dissection. Help Millions of people find the right doctor and care they need, Get immediate care and visit with providers from the comfort of your home, or anywhere, Urgent care centers can be faster and cheaper for situations that are not life threatening, Doctors and patients discuss the latest medical treatments and health tips, Search prescription drugs for why theyre used, side effects and more, Back and Neck Surgery (Except Spinal Fusion), https://my.clevelandclinic.org/treatment-guides/14-0028-aortic-aneurysm-treatment-guide?_ga=2.207135571.1301545328.1606747543-1151960348.1604337613, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/aneurysm, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/aortic_aneurysm.htm, https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm.html, https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/abdominal-aortic-aneurysms-aaa, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29268916/. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. Theyre often discovered by accident, when a chest X-ray or other screening reveals a bulge in the aorta. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. You dint mention how big is your aneurysm at the moment? The aneurysm ha read more Whats the outlook for an ascending aortic aneurysm? 22. (75.578.8 cm/s vs. 13836.2 cm/s; p<0.01). First question is: is there any possibility that it will never grow? Stenosis occurs when the opening to the mitral valve is narrowed. Occasionally, there may be abdominal, back, or leg pain. 2010;252:603-610. I am not on any medicines at all. Essential Elements of a Comprehensive Aortic Team, With Ali Azizzadeh, MD, FACS; Kendal Endicott, MD; Javairiah Fatima, MD, FACS, RPVI, DFSVS; Ross Milner, MD, FACS; and Brant W. Ullery, MD, MBA, FACS, FSVS, Panel Discussion: Decision-Making for Type B Aortic Dissection, With Tilo Klbel, MD, PhD; Tara M. Mastracci, MD, FRCSC; Christoph A. Nienaber, MD, PhD, FESC, FAHA; Germano Melissano, MD; Daniele Mascia, MD; and Eric E. Roselli, MD, FACS, Medical Management of Acute and Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection, By Christina L. Fanola, MD, MSc, and Eric Isselbacher, MD, MSc, BEST-CLI Shows Lower Incidence of Major Adverse Limb Events or Death With Surgical Bypass Versus Endovascular Treatment in CLTI Patients With Adequate GSV, With Alik Farber, MD, MBA; Matthew Menard, MD; and Kenneth Rosenfield, MD, MHCDS, Current Evidence for Catheter-Based Renal Denervation for Hypertension, By Anna K. Krawisz, MD, and Eric A. Secemsky, MD, MSc, RPVI, FACC, FAHA, FSCAI, FSVM, Panel Discussion: Perspectives on Applying BEST-CLI in Practice, With Daniel Clair, MD; Sanjay Misra, MD; Leigh Ann O'Banion, MD; and Mehdi H. Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD, By Anahita Dua, MD, MBA, MSc, and Eric A. Secemsky, MD, MSc, RPVI, FACC, FAHA, FSCAI, FSVM, Tackling Acute-to-Chronic Thrombus and Embolus. I guess delivering and carrying 2 very large babies in my late 30s is when it may have grown last. We avoid using tertiary references. Instead of looking only at the aortic diameter, some data suggest that aortic aneurysm size relative to body surface area is more important than absolute diameter.17 Davies and colleagues used an aortic size index (ASI) of aortic diameter (cm) divided by body surface area (m2). Schermerhorn ML, Giles KA, Hamdan AD, et al. May I ask you what kind of medicines are you taking? Notes on 4cm ascending aorta aneurysm 53yrs, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/4cm-ascending-aorta-aneurysm-53yrs-533575. 7. Lane, PhD, BSc, MBBS, MRCS; Sadie Syed, MD, MBBS, FRCA; Richard Gibbs, MD, MBChB, FRCS; and Colin D. Bicknell, MD, FRCS, left-arrow Like you, I was terrified when it was found. An AAA is defined as the enlargement of the abdominal aorta to 3 centimeters or more caused usually by the degeneration of the media portion in the arterial wall, by atherosclerosis hardening or other causes, including natural wear and tear with age. Endovascular aneurysm repair and outcome in patients unfit for open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR trial 2): randomised controlled trial.