Relationship between IFN-gamma production by blood lymphocytes and constitutional personality features of patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse.

Psychological testing using Eysenck Personality Inventory and immunological testing of 75 patients with idiopathic mitral valve prolapse revealed low production of interferon-gamma by blood lymphocytes and a correlation between interferon-gamma production and patient's temperament. Low neuroticism and extroversion scores were found in patients with normal interferon-gamma production. High neuroticism score was detected in 82% patients with lowest interferon-gamma production, which refers these patients to a group at high immunological risk and prompts the use of interferon and/or its inductors in complex therapy of these patients.