A post hoc analysis of the STOP-CAD trial identified several factors linked to subsequent ischemic stroke in patients with cervical artery dissection (CAD). The international retrospective observational study included 4,023 patients with CAD in 63 sites from 16 countries. By day 180 after an initial ischemic stroke, 5.3% of the patient cohort experienced a subsequent ischemic stroke – the primary outcome of the study. In adjusted Cox regression, prior history of ischemic stroke was a significant factor correlated with higher risk of subsequent ischemic stroke. Other factors include presentation within 7 days of the initial stroke's first symptoms, the presence of an infarct on baseline imaging, and occlusive dissection. Meanwhile, anticoagulation therapy demonstrated a reduced risk of subsequent ischemic stroke only in patients with occlusive cervical artery dissection, compared with antiplatelet therapy. Further analysis is needed to confirm and refine these findings for treatment of high-risk CAD subgroups, the researchers recommend.