Slowing Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Growth with Statins: A Meta-Analysis

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are worrisome for their propensity to dissect. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of statin use, particularly with slowing aortic aneurysm growth. The aim of this meta-analysis was to consolidate existing research to ascertain if statins effectively reduce TAA growth.

Multiple databases were searched to identify studies assessing TAA growth in patients on statins (cases) and those not on statins (controls). The primary outcome was TAA (ascending/ aortic arch) growth rate per year. Standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated with a random-effects model using the inverse-variance technique. We assigned I2>50% as an indicator of statistical heterogeneity. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v.25.0.

Four studies comprising 757 cases (male 64%, mean age 65±14 years) and 1,696 controls (male 62%, mean age 61±18 years) were included. The baseline diameters of TAA for cases and controls were 40.35±8.75 mm and 42.39±12.60 mm, respectively. Pooled results suggested statins to be associated with slower growth of TAAs with pooled SMD -0.70 mm/year [95% CI (-1.23 - -0.16); p=0.01]. Heterogeneity statistics among 4 studies was 95%.

This pooled meta-analysis showed statins as associated with slower growth of TAAs. However, given the heterogeneity of the included studies in this meta-analysis, results should be interpreted with caution.