Gender Differences in Noninvasive Coronary Imaging
Author Information
Author(s): Dewey Marc, Rutsch Wolfgang, Hamm Bernd
Primary Institution: Charité, Medical School, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
Is there a gender difference in noninvasive coronary imaging?
Conclusion
Noninvasive coronary angiography with MSCT might be less accurate and sensitive for women than men, and women are exposed to a significantly higher effective radiation dose than men.
Supporting Evidence
- The diagnostic accuracy of MSCT in identifying patients with coronary artery disease was significantly lower for women (72%) compared with men (89%).
- Sensitivity was 70% for women and 95% for men.
- The effective radiation dose of MSCT was significantly higher in women (13.7 ± 1.2 mSv) than in men (11.7 ± 0.9 mSv).
- The rate of nondiagnostic examinations was 14% for women compared to 4% for men.
Takeaway
The study found that women have a harder time getting accurate results from a heart scan compared to men, and they also get more radiation during the scan.
Methodology
The study compared the diagnostic accuracy of MSCT in female and male patients with suspected coronary disease using conventional coronary angiography as a reference.
Potential Biases
There is a referral bias to conventional coronary angiography with a disadvantage to women.
Limitations
The study is limited by its single-center design and the small number of patients, especially women.
Participant Demographics
126 patients (50 women and 95 men) with suspected coronary artery disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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