“Our findings point to a significant and growing burden of CeAD across the United States,” said lead author Dr. Liqi Shu. “The trends are especially concerning in certain demographic groups who appear to be disproportionately affected.”
The study used a comprehensive dataset that included the National Inpatient Sample, National Readmission Database, and statewide inpatient data from New York and Florida. Over 125,000 patients with spontaneous CeAD were identified during the study period.
CeAD, a condition in which a tear forms in the wall of one of the arteries in the neck, is a known cause of stroke, particularly in younger adults. The study found that vertebral artery dissection — a specific type of CeAD — was the only major predictor of ischemic stroke within 90 days in patients who initially did not present with stroke. The adjusted subdistributed hazard ratio was 1.77, indicating a significantly elevated risk.
“This underscores the importance of early diagnosis and targeted intervention, especially for vertebral artery dissection,” the authors noted, calling for increased clinical vigilance and further research into the most effective treatment strategies.
The consistent upward trend in CeAD incidence was also validated in state-level data, with a separate AAPC of 8.47 percent. The study emphasizes the need for more focused attention on health disparities, as Black and Hispanic populations experienced disproportionately high increases in CeAD admissions.
Some of the researchers disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries, although the study’s findings stand as an important signal for both clinicians and policymakers concerned with stroke prevention and health equity.
