Risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection with the use of fluoroquinolones in Korea: a nested case–control study

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have raised concern about the association of fluoroquinolones with an increased risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection. We aimed to evaluate such risk in a Korean population. METHODS: We conducted a nested case–control study using data from the National Health Insurance Service collected from 2013 to 2017 in Korea. The study cohort included patients older than 40 years and excluded patients who had used fluoroquinolones or been diagnosed with aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, or related diseases 1 year prior to the cohort entry date. We randomly matched four controls in the risk set with each case of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection (same sex, age, and cohort entry date). We assessed the risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection from fluoroquinolones and adjusted for potential confounders using a conditional logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 29,638 aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection patients were identified between 2014 and 2017. The use of fluoroquinolones within a year was associated with a 10% increased risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection (adjusted odds ratio: 1.10, 95% CI 1.07–1.14, p < 0.05) compared with nonusers. The risk was higher in patients who had used fluoroquinolones within 60 days (adjusted odds ratio: 1.53, 95% CI 1.46–1.62, p < 0.05). The risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection positively correlated with the cumulative dose and duration of fluoroquinolone therapy (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides real-world evidence of the risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection from fluoroquinolones in Korea. Patients and medical professionals should be aware that fluoroquinolones can increase the risk of aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection, which may be acerbated by high dosage and duration of use. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02488-x.