Artery occlusion independently predicts unfavorable outcome in cervical artery dissection

{ObjectiveTo assess the impact of dissected artery occlusion (DAO) on functional outcome and complications in patients with cervical artery dissection (CeAD).MethodsWe analyzed combined individual patient data from 3 multicenter cohorts of consecutive patients with CeAD (the Cervical Artery Dissection and Ischemic Stroke Patients [CADISP]-Plus consortium dataset). Patients with data on DAO and functional outcome were included. We compared patients with DAO to those without DAO. Primary outcome was favorable functional outcome (i.e., modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0-1) measured 3-6 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes included delayed cerebral ischemia, major hemorrhage, recurrent CeAD, and death. We performed univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses and calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), with adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsOf 2,148 patients (median age 45 years [interquartile range (IQR) 38-52], 43.6% women), 728 (33.9%) had DAO. Patients with DAO more frequently presented with cerebral ischemia (84.6% vs 58.5%, p < 0.001). Patients with DAO were less likely to have favorable outcome when compared to patients without DAO (mRS 0-1: 59.6% vs 80.1%, p(unadjusted) < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, and initial stroke severity, DAO was independently associated with less favorable outcome (mRS 0-1: OR 0.65, CI 0.50-0.84