Meta-regression analysis on the impact of medical therapy on long-term outcome in spontaneous coronary artery dissection

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a relatively rare condition affecting predominantly young adults, with a prevalence of female sex. The best management of SCAD is still unclear and not adequately evidence-based both in the acute phase but especially over the long-term. We therefore aimed to evaluate the impact of medical therapy usually adopted for coronary artery disease on long-term outcome in SCAD patients. Methods: We performed a meta-regression analysis including all the studies evaluating the long-term outcome of patients affected by SCAD. We used long-term mortality, recurrent SCAD, admission for angina and major adverse cardio-vascular events (MACE) as dependent variables and the rates of discharge drug rates (beta-blockers, statins, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, aspirin, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT)) as independent variables. Results: Fourteen observational studies were included with a long-term follow-up of 3.5 ± 1.7 years. No statistically significant correlations between drug therapy (beta-blockers, statins, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors) and mortality, MACE, admission for angina, and SCAD recurrence were found. Higher aspirin use rates were significantly correlated with lower admission rates for angina (p < 0.05); DAPT, however, showed a borderline correlation with higher rates of SCAD recurrence (p = 0.068). Conclusions: In a meta-regression analysis including observational studies aspirin use rates correlated with lower long-term rates of admission for angina, while a borderline correlation between DAPT and rates of SCAD recurrence was found. Other drugs usually used for the treatment of coronary artery disease do not seem to impact long-term outcome of SCAD patients.