Incidence and Burden of Myocarditis in the Middle East and North Africa: A Secondary Analysis of Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019 Publisher Pubmed



Hamian Roumiani P ; Yaghoubi M ; Nozari F ; Taheri M ; Hassan Zadeh Tabatabaei MS ; Ahmadi Z ; Azarboo A ; Eskandari R ; Khadembashiri MA ; Khadembashiri MM
Source: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Myocarditis poses significant challenges in diagnosis and management due to its diverse etiology and clinical manifestations. Despite advances in medical care, myocarditis remains a leading cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death worldwide, necessitating comprehensive understanding of its regional burden. This study aims to assess the incidence and burden of myocarditis in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Methods: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019, utilizing standardized disease criteria and statistics collected by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Global, regional, and national estimates of myocarditis mortality, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were gathered for the period from 1990 to 2019. The Socio-demographic Index (SDI) was utilized as a measure of national development. Results: The findings indicate a minor change in the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of myocarditis over the three decades, while a notable decrease was observed in both the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted rate (ASDR). Females exhibited higher ASMR and ASDR compared to males, despite similar ASIR trends. Country-level variations in myocarditis incidence were observed, with some nations experiencing increased rates, while others witnessed declines. Oman, Iraq, and Egypt had the highest ASMRs, whereas Bahrain, Jordan, and Turkey had the lowest. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the burden of myocarditis in the MENA region. The observed disparities in incidence and mortality rates highlight the complex interplay between socio-demographic factors and disease outcomes, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive public health strategies tailored to regional contexts. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying factors driving these disparities and inform effective intervention strategies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.