CT Results Came Today!

[Kari72]

Just thought I would let you know I got my CT results in the mail today. There was no dissection of my aorta and I am very happy about that! It did say that I have stenosis of the celiac artery, and my abdominal aorta is irregular with atherosclerotic disease I also have a 2mm nodule in the lower left lobe of my lung Otherwise, all is good! Can anyone explain stenosis and atherosclerosis to me? I looked them up, and they seem similar so I am not sure I totally understand what they are. Thanks!

 

[skeptic49]

Congratulations on not having an aortic dissection, Kari.

Best wishes,

Jim

 

[neil]

good news about not having aortic dissection, chin up

 

[ottagal]

Hi Kari,
Glad to hear you got your test results and there is no aortic dissection! Also, thanks UIHCCHI for the thorough answer and explanation to Kari's query.

 

[Ross]

Like I said, if it were a dissection, there is no doubt in my mind that you'd of known it. It was the most painful thing I've ever experienced in my life and I hope to God that I never have to experience it ever again, though I do have a 3.6 aneurysm in my abdominal aorta.

 

[Kari72]

Thanks everyone for your replies. UIHCCHI, thanks for giving such a good explanation, I think I understand a little better. I see my cardio on Dec.23 but he is a man of little information, so you all are my source to understand all this medical stuff! Thanks again! Kari

 

[Dawn-Marie]

Hi Kari ~ Wonderful news that you don't have an aortic dissection. I'm happy for you.

I pray that none of the other issues are real serious and will need surgery.

Best wishes,

Dawn-Marie

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I'm glad you got your results.

Stenosis is a medical term for narrowing.
The report would indicate that you have a narrowing of your celiac artery.

Atherosclerosis is hardening and plaque formation of an artery. You have hardening and possible plaque formation (fatty deposits) in your abdominal aorta. Over time it can cause the artery to weaken or become narrow.

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of diseases of arteries including the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arteries.

Atherosclerosis can be prevented by controlling things such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol.

Many people have family history of atherosclerosis and that can not be prevented. It starts in childhood usually (very small amounts) and can grow rapidly.

This is not to be confused with an aneurysm or dissection. However, it can cause such problems should it not be monitored carefully.

Make sure you talk to your doctor about these results and find out what he recommends for a treatment option. It could be something as simple as monitoring with a CT scan every year or 2. It would be worth monitoring as it can turn into something more life-threatening should it not be monitored appropriately.

Hope this helps and keep us posted!

UIHCCHI -

Thank you for that informative and thorough response.

I notice that you list your occupation as "pediatric cardiology".

Would you be willing to be more specific?
Are you an MD, PA, CRNP, RN, or other?

'AL Capshaw'