Abstract TP173: Differential Outcomes and Treatment in Vertebral versus Carotid Artery Dissections: A National Inpatient Sample Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical artery dissection (CAD) involves the carotid (CCAD) or vertebral artery (VCAD). However, limited studies have compared their clinical features and outcomes. Our study utilized a comprehensive nationwide database to discern these differences. Method: We examined non-traumatic CAD-diagnosed patients from the U.S. National Inpatient Sample (2005-2019) using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. The evaluation included patient demographics, comorbidities, in-hospital complications, treatment, and costs. Differences between CCAD and VCAD were assessed using survey-weighted stepwise backward logistic regression, followed by propensity score matched adjusted regressions for outcomes. Result: From 2005 to 2019, we identified 157,086 CAD admissions, of which 79.9% (125,477) were spontaneous CADs, with CCAD outnumbering VCAD (67,671 vs. 57,806). Compared to VCAD, CCAD was significantly associated with older age (54 [44-66] vs. 49 [37-62]), Black race (12.6% vs. 8.7%), atrial fibrillation (6.1% vs. 3.7%), hypertension (58.0% vs. 53.9%), fewer concurrent acute ischemic strokes (AIS) (22.1% vs. 24.7%), higher NIHSS (mean NIHSS 7 [2-16] vs. 2 [0-5]), extended stays (4 days [2-8] vs. 4 days [2-7]) and increased hospitalization charges ($52,005 [$25,759-$118,806] vs. $43,199 [$24,116-$85,701]); all P<0.05. Within the concurrent AIS group, the CCAD group also exhibited an increased likelihood for IV thrombolysis (10.7% vs. 5.7%) and mechanical thrombectomy (14.9% vs. 3.7%). After propensity score matching for NIHSS and age, the CCAD group was associated with less death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.41, 95% CI 0.26-0.65, P<0.001) but a similar home discharge rate (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 0.78-1.69, P=0.480) (Figure). Conclusion: Our study underscores distinct comorbidity profiles and treatment patterns between CCAD and VCAD groups. These findings advocate for tailored treatment strategies based on dissection type to optimize patient outcomes.