Radiologist Questions Radiologist

CT chest shows aorta aneurysm?

I have been recently (Oct 2020) diagnosed with an enlarged ascending aorta measuring 4.1 cm in size and mild atherosclerotic disease. Also, the heat monitor shows daily sporadic rapid heart beat. Instructions are to follow-up with a Cardiologist in 6 months and possible repeat CT of the chest in 12 months to check the aorta.

Is this 6 month follow up all that is required for an enlarged aorta? Should a CT of the chest be repeated sooner than 6 months? Is there any other treatment I should consider? What treatment is recommended for a rapid heart beat?

Female | 76 years old
Complaint duration: 2 months
Medications: I have been taking the following medications prior to these diagnosis for more than a year, losartan 100mg, furosemide 20mg, metoprolol 25, and simvastatin 20mg.
Conditions: Hypertension, High Cholesterol 4mm Nodule on lung, 4mm nodule on Thyroid

1 Answer

I recommend having the cardiologist evaluation more rapidly because some arrhythmias can be serious. The aortic aneurysm follow up is okay at 12 months because 4.1 cm, particularly in the ascending thoracic aorta, is considered borderline abnormal.