What is the pathology of Chagas disease?

The classic pathologic features of the chronic phase of Chagas cardiomyopathy include low-grade myocarditis accompanied by myocytolysis, myofiber hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis (26). In contrast to the acute phase, only focal areas of inflammation are generally found in the hearts of chronic Chagas patients.

How is Chagas cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

Indeterminate Form The current recommendation for the evaluation of a patient in the United States with suspected or newly diagnosed Chagas disease includes serological confirmation, based on 2 different assays for anti–T cruzi immunoglobulin G, a history, a physical examination, an ECG, and a 30-second rhythm strip.

What causes Chagas disease myocarditis?

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite that can cause acute myopericarditis as well as chronic fibrosing cardiomyopathy. CD is the most common cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in Latin America [1].

What type of cardiomyopathy does Chagas disease cause?

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite that can cause acute myopericarditis as well as chronic fibrosing myocarditis. CD is the most common cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in Latin America [1].

Is Chagas asymptomatic?

The chronic phase occurs when the parasite is found in the tissues and not the blood. Although most patients with chronic Chagas disease remain asymptomatic, 20% to 30% of infected people develop debili tating and sometimes life-threatening medical problems.

What organs affect Chagas?

The heart is the most commonly affected organ in persons with chronic Chagas disease. Autopsy may reveal marked bilateral ventricular enlargement, often involving the right side more than the left, in the heart of patients who die of chagasic heart failure (see image below).

What is a pathologic diagnosis?

A pathologic diagnosis is the result of a complex series of activities, mastered by the pathologist. The nature of these activities is, however, rarely talked about in depth. The medical literature occasionally discusses aspects of the pathologic diagnosis processes, generally departing from the pathologic practice.

What is Chagas heart disease?

Chagas heart disease is an inflammatory cardiomyopathy that develops in approximately one-third of people infected with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. One way T. cruziis transmitted to people is through contact with infected kissing bugs, which are found in much of the Western Hemisphere, including in vast areas of the United States.

What is the microscopic pathology of Chagas heart disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection)?

Microscopic pathology of Chagas heart disease. Essentially, every possible histologic picture of Trypanosoma cruziinfection can be observed by examining the hearts of patients with acute, chronic, or chronic reactivation (e.g., upon immunosuppression) disease. (a) Normal cardiac histology.

What is the difference between acute and chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy?

The classic pathologic features of the chronic phase of Chagas cardiomyopathy include low-grade myocarditis accompanied by myocytolysis, myofiber hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis (26). In contrast to the acute phase, only focal areas of inflammation are generally found in the hearts of chronic Chagas patients.

Are inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers different in clinical stages of Chagas disease?

Inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers are differentially expressed in clinical stages of Chagas disease. Int. J. Cardiol199:451–59 [PMC free article][PubMed] [Google Scholar]