The Use of Antithrombotics Is Not Beneficial for Conservative Management of Spontaneous Isolated Dissection of the Superior Mesenteric Artery: A Meta-analysis

Background Conservative treatment is feasible in most patients with spontaneous isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SID-SMA). However, the role of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants is not well defined in either symptomatic or asymptomatic SID-SMA. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis, including a single-arm study, comparing the resolution rate of conservative management with versus without antithrombotics for symptomatic and asymptomatic SID-SMA. Methods A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, on August 22nd, 2018, was performed to identify studies concerning SID-SMA. Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the primary resolution rate, long-term aneurysmal change for symptomatic SID-SMA, and any event for asymptomatic SID-SMA. We calculated pooled risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects model in studies with two arms and in studies with two arms or a single arm. Results We included data from 35 articles involving 727 patients with SID-SMA (symptomatic 693, asymptomatic 134). No significant differences were observed in the successful resolution rate between conservative management with and without antithrombotics (random-effects model, risk ratio [RR] 0.96; 95% CI, 0.87–1.05]). The pooled resolution rate from combining single-arm studies was 91% (95% CI, 85–95) and 95% (95% CI, 88–100) in conservative management with and without antithrombotic, respectively, which was not statistically significant (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.91–1.02). The pooled morphologic progression rate from combining single-arm studies was 3% (95% CI, 0–8) and 11% (95% CI, 2–26) in conservative management with and without antithrombotics, respectively, which was not statistically significant (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.12–1.64). The adverse event was 0% for both groups for asymptomatic SID-SMA. Conclusions Additional antithrombotic therapy for both symptomatic and asymptomatic SID-SMA did not benefit the outcomes. We do not recommend the use of antithrombotics for SID-SMA, unless further evidence shows any beneficial effect.