Q: I have a dilated aorta. Does all of my body have to be scanned or does just my chest need to be under the donut? If only the chest needs to be seen, how long does this take? I am extremely scared and claustrophobic. Am I strapped in and can I take a sedative? If all of my body has to go through, how long will this take? I don’t care about my legs going through, just my head and body.
A: To begin with and for other readers who may not know what a dilated aorta is, I offer the following: An enlargement of more than one and one half times its normal size is known as a dilated aorta. And while an individual may experience back, leg or abdominal pain, there are many instances in which there are not symptoms at all, except if and when the aorta ruptures. It appears you are being tested for an enlargement of a thoracic aneurysm. Most commonly, aneurysms may be in the thoracic or abdominal areas. Those in the thoracic area are within the chest, while abdominal aneurysms are, as stated, within the abdomen. Those that involve both areas are referred to as thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.
As an aneurysm enlarges, it may cause compression of nerve roots that cause leg pain and/or numbness. Left untreated, the aneurysms have a tendency to grow, with the rate of enlargement varying from person to person. Medical imaging will be necessary to confirm or rule out the aneurysm and extent of enlargement. The possible risk of rupture of an abdominal aortic rupture is related to its size and shape.
Some aneurysms and pulsatile masses within the body may be found or questioned when a physician palpates an area during routine physical examination or because of a patient’s complaints. Listening with a stethoscope may reveal a bruit or unusual sound that results from turbulence within the aneurysm. This may be followed by an ultrasound that should, under normal circumstances, reveal a precise picture of the size of the aneurysm. Unfortunately, this is not the case with a thoracic enlargement, which is why your physician chose to order an MRI.
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) unit is noninvasive and uses radio waves and a magnetic field for high resolution images of organs and tissues within a body. The tube-like structure is open at both ends. While you will lie down on a movable table that slides into the tube, the procedure is painless and there are no moving parts around you. You can even listen to a radio or music as a means of remaining calm and to diffuse the sounds the machine makes. If you have claustrophobic tendencies, your physician can provide a mild sedative. The procedure may last approximately a half hour, during which time you will be asked to remain still. The area of the body of concern will be in the center of the scanner. Now for the good news. There are open MRI units available now for individuals with severe claustrophobia. Check with your physician or local hospital to determine the nearest imaging center to you.
It certainly appears you need answers, so I suggest you bring any and all questions to the attention of the physician in charge.
