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Sex-based differences in prevalence and clinical presentation among pericarditis and myopericarditis patients

Michal Laufer-Perl1, Ofer Havakuk1, Yacov Shacham1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|November 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study found significant sex differences in acute pericarditis (inflammation of the heart sac) and myopericarditis (inflammation of the heart sac and muscle). While men had more myocardial involvement, outcomes were similar for both sexes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Extensive research exists on sex differences in various heart diseases.
  • Limited data are available on sex-specific characteristics of pericarditis and myopericarditis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential sex differences in patients diagnosed with pericarditis and myopericarditis.
  • To analyze prevalence, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and outcomes based on sex.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, single-center observational study of 200 hospitalized patients with idiopathic pericarditis or myopericarditis (Jan 2012-Apr 2014).
  • Exclusion of patients with known causes of pericarditis.
  • Evaluation of sex differences in prevalence, clinical presentation, laboratory variables, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Females constituted 27% of patients; they were older and had more chronic conditions.
  • Myopericarditis was more common in men (51% vs 25%), who showed higher peak troponin levels.
  • Women had a higher incidence of pericardial effusion (68% vs 45%) and lower cardiology admission rates (42% vs 63%).

Conclusions:

  • Acute idiopathic pericarditis predominantly affects males, with a higher prevalence of myocardial involvement in men.
  • Significant sex disparities observed in laboratory findings and hospital management.
  • In-hospital outcomes were favorable and comparable between sexes.
Abstract

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