Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I have a 4 cm dilated fusiform ascending aortic ectasia. My doctor has encouraged me to come back for further examination in three months. But I am concerned because I have symptoms such as back pain and chest pain and occasionally feeling swollen in the neck. What should I do? My father had the same issue 20 years back. The doctor currently put me on Aleve and muscle relaxants. Please guide me.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
4 cm is the upper limit of the normal range. Echocardiography or CT (computed tomography) scan should be repeated after six months to assess size and growth. Since how long do you have back and chest pain? What type of pain is this? Please answer the questions so that I can guide you accordingly.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you. I have an ache and tenderness around the sternum, pain to the right of the spine. I also have occasional shortness of breath after exertion. The neck pain is roughly on the sides of my neck, running down from the base of the jaw. It has been going on for about two weeks. Please give your opinion.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Dilated ascending aorta occurs in condition called ankylosing spondylitis, affecting sacroiliac joints and then joints of sternum and ribs. It has a long history, but your pain is of two weeks duration. So this ankylosing spondylitis seems unlikely in your case. Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is only painkillers and physiotherapy. For aortic issues, regular surveillance is needed with repeated aortic imaging. Do not worry about aortic size, have a repeat CT (computed tomography) scan after six months. Is there a family history of dilated ascending aorta or dissection of the aorta? What did your father have? Had he any aortic issue? Please get back for further queries.
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Answered byDr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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