[dickatlee]

Although I was unfamiliar with the term “dissection” I’ve been well-acquainted with the term aortic aneurism since reading a Sherlock Holmes story (at least 70 years ago) in which a man who has (justifiably) murdered someone is confronted by Inspector Lestrade, and Holmes points out there’s no point in starting proceedings against him because Dr. Watson has diagnosed the man with an aortic aneurism that is essentially at the point of bursting…

[IMA-HelenT]

Wonderful example of how entertainment can be one of our best teachers.Went and had a look for the episode it is called ” A Study in Scarlet”

[Dr. Wawa]

I have not been able to understand from the news reports whether Senator Graham had an aortic aneurism or not. Aortic aneurism is very easily detected on physical exam. It is a not-subtle throbbing in the abdomen,

[IMA-HelenT]

I believe that he had an Aortic dissection: a tear in the inner lining of the aorta. Blood enters the tear and forces apart the layers of the artery wall. This is an immediate, life-threatening medical emergency.

Not an Aortic aneurysm: a weakened section of the aorta that bulges outward, rather like a balloon. It may grow slowly and cause no symptoms, but it can eventually rupture or increase the risk of a dissection.

[jwemd]

Actor John Ritter’s case in 2003 probably most widely known example.

[IMA-HelenT]

👍

[Jeff Gerber]

I carry a mutation in the FBN-1 (Fibrillin-1) gene which affects the production of fibrillin proteins. Connective tissue, specifically at the aortic root, stretches out. Dissection of the aortic root can occur. Fortunate for me I had a cousin whose doctor informed him to contact his relatives and tell them to get tested. I did, I discovered I had the genetic mutation, then discovered my aortic root was at 48mm (at 50mm they say is the threshold where they should operate) and I took the proactive step of having my aorta reinforced with a Dacron tube. I was then cleared for all physical activity and have been doing great except for the point in time when the mRNA “vaccines” were released. But I digress.

A side note – if you have open heart surgery, like I did, you should become familiar with what your thymus gland is. It is an organ that sits above your heart and it is in charge of immune system regulation by maturing T-cells, etc. Some research (Study Details | NCT04375657 | Thymus Regeneration, Immunorestoration, and Insulin Mitigation Extension Trial | ClinicalTrials.gov) is showing that longevity is directly tied to the thymus. During heart surgery some doctors will practically throw away the thymus because it’s “in the way” or perform a “thymectomy”. You do not want this to happen. It’s a discussion topic for open heart surgery that most doctors never have with their patients.

[IMA-HelenT]

Thanks @jrgerber I’m very glad you were discovered the mutation before surgery.

I had no idea about the potential significance of the thymus during open-heart surgery. Thanks for educating us as this seems to be exactly the kind of question we may not know to ask.

A reminder of the value of being well informed before surgery.