Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Accurate Measurement of the Aorta



Photo: Cherry Grove, NY as seen from my kayak out at sea

The Bicuspid Aortic Valve Foundation has a new blog. Embedded in their first post, there is an excellent video presentation focusing on diagnostic tools used to assess the condition of the BAV and the level of TAD (Thoracic Aortic Disease.) The most interesting thing I learned is that a dilated aorta is larger on systole than on diastole, and to obtain an accurate measurement CTs and MRIs should be "gated," which will reveal the aortic size on systole (maximum). This is the measurement that should be used when considering what size aneurysm triggers surgery. There is a lot more good info in the video. The blog is here:

http://bicuspidaorticfoundation.blogspot.com/







Saturday, August 6, 2011

Life Goes On: Got Married July 24th



Jim Kelly-Evans (standing) and Dan Evans returning to Cherry Grove, NY after getting married in Brookhaven, NY.