Sex-based differences in prevalence and clinical presentation among pericarditis and myopericarditis patients.
BACKGROUND
Sex differences in heart diseases, including acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, have been studied extensively. However, data are lacking regarding sex differences in pericarditis and myopericarditis patients.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether there are sex differences in pericarditis and myopericarditis patients as well.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective, single-center observational study that included 200 consecutive patients hospitalized with idiopathic pericarditis or myopericarditis from January 2012 to April 2014. Patients were evaluated for sex differences in prevalence, clinical presentation, laboratory variables, and outcome. We excluded patients with a known cause for pericarditis.


RESULTS
Among 200 consecutive patients, 55 (27%) were female. Compared with men, women were significantly older (60±19 years vs 46±19 years, P<.001) and had a higher rate of chronic medical conditions. Myopericarditis was significantly more common among men (51% vs 25%, P=.001). Accordingly, men had significantly higher levels of peak troponin (6.8±17 ng/mL vs 0.9±2.6 ng/mL, P<.001), whereas women presented more frequently with pericardial effusion (68% vs 45%, P=.006). Interestingly, women had a significantly lower rate of hospitalization in the cardiology department (42% vs 63%, P=.015). Overall, there were no significant differences in ejection fraction, type of treatment, complications, or in-hospital mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Most patients admitted with acute idiopathic pericarditis are male. In addition, men have a higher prevalence of myocardial involvement. Significant sex differences exist in laboratory variables and in hospital management; however, the outcome is similar and favorable in both sexes.
Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Electronic address: michalpela@gmail.com.
Michal
M
Laufer-Perl
Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Ofer
O
Havakuk
Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Yacov
Y
Shacham
Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Arie
A
Steinvil
Internal Medicine "E," Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Sivan
S
Letourneau-Shesaf
Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Ehud
E
Chorin
Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Gad
G
Keren
Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, affiliated to the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Yaron
Y
Arbel
D000208:Acute Disease; D017677:Age Distribution; D015897:Comorbidity; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000097:blood*; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014336:Troponin / Q000097:blood*
D014336:Troponin