Differential outcomes and treatment in non-traumatic carotid versus vertebral cervical artery dissection: A national inpatient sample study

Introduction

Cervical artery dissection (CAD) involves the carotid or vertebral artery. However, limited studies have compared their clinical features and outcomes.

Methods

We examined non-traumatic CAD patients from the National Inpatient Sample (2005-2019). Those diagnosed with both carotid and vertebral artery dissections were excluded. The evaluation included patient demographics, comorbidities, and treatment. Differences between carotid and vertebral dissections were assessed using survey-weighted stepwise backward logistic regression, followed by adjusted multivariable regressions for the primary outcomes of in-hospital mortality and routine discharge (to home or self-care).

Results

From 2005 to 2019, we included 123,224 non-traumatic CAD admissions without concurrent vertebral and carotid dissections. There were more carotid dissections than vertebral dissections (67,533 vs. 55,691). Compared to vertebral dissection, carotid dissection was associated with older age (54 [44-66] years vs. 49 [37-62] years, P<0.001), Black race (12.6% vs. 8.8%, P<0.001), White race (73.5% vs. 72.0%, P = 0.024), atrial fibrillation (10.8% vs. 6.3%, P<0.001), aortic dissection (7.7% vs. 0.3%, P<0.001), and fewer concurrent acute ischemic strokes (AIS) (47.8% vs. 56.7%, P<0.001).Within the concurrent AIS group, carotid CAD patients exhibited higher NIHSS (8 [2-17] vs. 2 [0-5], P<0.001), an increased utilization of intravenous thrombolysis (6.7% vs. 2.7% P<0.001), endovascular therapy (13.3% vs. 3.3%, P<0.001), and angioplasties (9.8% vs. 0.3%, P<0.001). Overall, carotid CAD was associated with more inpatient deaths (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.04-1.62, P=0.023) and less routine discharges (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.97, P=0.014) than vertebral CAD.

Conclusion

Our study underscores distinct comorbidity profiles and treatment patterns between non-traumatic carotid dissection and vertebral dissection groups. These findings advocate for tailored treatment strategies based on dissection type to optimize patient outcomes.