The actor and presenter Otaviano Costa, 51 years old, informed this Monday (22/7) that he has been diagnosed with an aneurysm of the ascending thoracic aorta, a rare and serious condition. The problem was discovered after the actor felt chest pain, beneath his chest, and sought medical attention, requiring surgery. In an interview with Correio, cardiac surgeon Cláudio Cunha from the Sírio-Libanês Hospital in Brasília explains that in most cases, the diagnosis is made incidentally during the investigation of other conditions.
“Many patients are asymptomatic or present nonspecific symptoms, such as chest discomfort. These symptoms can be confused with other diseases, making the initial identification of an aneurysm difficult,” explains Cláudio Cunha, who also points out that most patients do not present specific symptoms.
“Even during routine examinations, such as CT scans done for other reasons, it is possible to identify asymptomatic aneurysms. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several aneurysms were discovered in patients undergoing chest CT scans to assess virus infection,” warns the specialist.
According to the doctor, an aneurysm is characterized by the dilation of the aorta, which is greater than one and a half times the expected diameter for that person. In adults, the aorta generally has about 30 mm in diameter, and when this measurement exceeds 45 mm, it is considered an aneurysm. The wall of the aorta weakens, becoming more susceptible to progressive dilations.
“This dilation usually occurs over months or years. The exception is aortic dissection, where blood passes between the layers of the aorta wall, which can happen suddenly. However, most aneurysms develop slowly, allowing for monitoring and planning of treatment,” explains Cunha.
Regarding the mortality rate, the doctor points out that it is high in cases of aneurysm rupture, reaching over 90%. “It is crucial to diagnose and treat the aneurysm before it ruptures. When rupture occurs, many patients have little chance of survival, often being confused with fulminant heart attacks,” he warns.
Treatment and prevention
About the treatment, the cardiovascular surgery specialist clarifies that surgical intervention is generally recommended when the diameter of the aneurysm exceeds 50 to 55 mm, due to the significant increase in the risk of rupture. The decision to operate is based on the assessment of the aneurysm size and the risk it poses to the patient.
Advanced age, genetic diseases such as Marfan syndrome, and a family history of aneurysms are related to the possibility of developing the condition. Men, especially after the age of 50, have a greater predisposition to develop this condition compared to women.
“As for prevention, the specialist emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups, especially for people with risk factors. Exams such as echocardiograms and CT scans are crucial for the early detection of aneurysms, even in asymptomatic patients,” suggests the doctor.
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