Hi all:
In reference to this thread about an article on relative aortic size compared to risk of rupture: the article cited this study done by Yale in 2005. I was curious as to whether the "4% annual risk" for the low-risk group was cumulative or not. I emailed one of the authors of the study, Dr. Michael Coady, and he responded thusly:
"Hi - the risk of rupture would be 4% per year. So, over a 10-year period, the cumulative risk over this period is 40%. Hope this makes sense."
He goes on to say:
"I'm sure you're going to be completely fine. Aneurysms eventually enlarge -- and we operate on the ascending aorta when it gets to about 5-5.5 cm or if the aortic valve starts leaking severely when the aneurysm is smaller.
"Dr. Miller is a master surgeon - probably the best in the United States. I know, because he trained me in aortic surgery! Keep me posted -- and very best of luck. You'll be in great hands. --Michael"
I guess that means that surgery is definitely in my future and that my 4.5cm ascending aorta (which hasn't moved for at least 3 years) will likely start to enlarge and/or become symptomatic and that will be the signal to schedule surgery.
Just thought I'd share since I've seen the question raised in another thread.
--Equusz
In reference to this thread about an article on relative aortic size compared to risk of rupture: the article cited this study done by Yale in 2005. I was curious as to whether the "4% annual risk" for the low-risk group was cumulative or not. I emailed one of the authors of the study, Dr. Michael Coady, and he responded thusly:
"Hi - the risk of rupture would be 4% per year. So, over a 10-year period, the cumulative risk over this period is 40%. Hope this makes sense."
He goes on to say:
"I'm sure you're going to be completely fine. Aneurysms eventually enlarge -- and we operate on the ascending aorta when it gets to about 5-5.5 cm or if the aortic valve starts leaking severely when the aneurysm is smaller.
"Dr. Miller is a master surgeon - probably the best in the United States. I know, because he trained me in aortic surgery! Keep me posted -- and very best of luck. You'll be in great hands. --Michael"
I guess that means that surgery is definitely in my future and that my 4.5cm ascending aorta (which hasn't moved for at least 3 years) will likely start to enlarge and/or become symptomatic and that will be the signal to schedule surgery.
Just thought I'd share since I've seen the question raised in another thread.
--Equusz