Cervical arteries tortuosity and its association with dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This study investigated the link between arterial tortuosity and cervical artery dissection, focusing on carotid and vertebral tortuosity indices, as well as carotid tortuosity classifications (kinking, looping, and coiling). Methods: We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from database inception to January 2024. The inclusion criteria encompassed human studies on tortuosity and cervical, carotid, or vertebral artery dissection. Exclusion criteria included case reports, non-English studies, and studies solely on connective tissue disorders and diseases. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects model was employed for mean differences and odds ratios. When meta-analysis was not feasible, we summarized and integrated the results narratively. Results: Seven studies, involving 507 dissected patients and 582 non-dissected patients, were included. In a meta-analysis of 3 studies, vertebral tortuosity favored the dissection cases [MD = 3.58, 95% CI: 2.21–4.95]. The mean carotid tortuosity difference was not statistically significant in a meta-analysis of 2 studies [MD = 2.27, 95% CI: −0.16–4.70]. In the classification analysis, 2 studies indicated no conclusive association between kinking, coiling, and cervical arteries dissection. Regarding carotid classification and internal carotid artery dissection, meta-analyses only showed a significant association with kinking, but the result was inconclusive. Conclusion: Tortuosity index screenings may help prevent cervical artery dissection among at-risk individuals. However, the association with specific tortuosity classifications remains inconclusive, and further research is needed to validate these findings. Standardized measurement criteria are crucial for future studies.