Aortic Root Dilatation ICD-10: Everything You Need to Know

Aortic root dilatation, also known as aortic root aneurysm, is a condition in which the aortic root, the part of the aorta that is closest to the heart, becomes enlarged. This can be a serious condition, as it can lead to aortic dissection or rupture, both of which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of Aortic Root Dilatation

Aortic root dilatation often does not cause any symptoms. However, as the aneurysm grows, you may experience:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Cough
• Back pain

Causes of Aortic Root Dilatation

The most common cause of aortic root dilatation is atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. Other causes include:

• Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue in the body
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a group of genetic disorders that affect the skin, joints, and blood vessels
• Takayasu arteritis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the aorta
• Giant cell arteritis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the large arteries

Diagnosis of Aortic Root Dilatation

Aortic root dilatation is typically diagnosed with an echocardiogram, a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. Other tests that may be used to diagnose this condition include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Aortography, a procedure that involves injecting dye into the aorta and taking X-rays

Treatment of Aortic Root Dilatation

The treatment of aortic root dilatation depends on the size of the aneurysm and the patient's symptoms. Small aneurysms may be monitored with regular echocardiograms. Larger aneurysms may need to be treated with surgery.

Surgery to repair an aortic root aneurysm typically involves replacing the damaged section of the aorta with a graft. This is a major surgery, but it can be life-saving.

Complications of Aortic Root Dilatation

Aortic root dilatation can lead to a number of complications, including:

• Aortic dissection, a condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears
• Aortic rupture, a condition in which the aorta bursts
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Kidney failure

Prognosis of Aortic Root Dilatation

The prognosis of aortic root dilatation depends on the size of the aneurysm and the patient's symptoms. Small aneurysms that are not causing any symptoms have a good prognosis. However, larger aneurysms that are causing symptoms have a poorer prognosis.

Prevention of Aortic Root Dilatation

There is no sure way to prevent aortic root dilatation. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this condition, including:

• Controlling your blood pressure
• Lowering your cholesterol
• Quitting smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly

Conclusion

Aortic root dilatation is a serious condition, but it can be treated if it is diagnosed early. If you have any of the symptoms of aortic root dilatation, it is important to see your doctor right away.

Additional Information

For more information on aortic root dilatation, please visit the following websites:

• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• Mayo Clinic
• Cleveland Clinic

FAQs

• What is the ICD-10 code for aortic root dilatation?
  • The ICD-10 code for aortic root dilatation is I71.4.
• What are the symptoms of aortic root dilatation?
  • The symptoms of aortic root dilatation can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, cough, and back pain.
• How is aortic root dilatation diagnosed?
  • Aortic root dilatation is typically diagnosed with an echocardiogram, a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart.
• How is aortic root dilatation treated?
  • The treatment of aortic root dilatation depends on the size of the aneurysm and the patient's symptoms. Small aneurysms may be monitored with regular echocardiograms. Larger aneurysms may need to be treated with surgery.
• What is the prognosis of aortic root dilatation?
  • The prognosis of aortic root dilatation depends on the size of the aneurysm and the patient's symptoms. Small aneurysms that are not causing any symptoms have a good prognosis. However, larger aneurysms that are causing symptoms have a poorer prognosis.
• Can aortic root dilatation be prevented?
  • There is no sure way to prevent aortic root dilatation. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this condition, including controlling your blood pressure, lowering your cholesterol, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.