Chagas' heart disease: evolutive evaluation of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in patients with

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Published on: October 28, 2020

B M Ianni1, E Arteaga, C C Frimm

  • 1Heart Institute (InCor), HC, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05403-900, Brasil. barbara.ianni@incor.usp.br

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|August 14, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Patients with indeterminate Chagas' disease show a favorable prognosis. While electrocardiographic changes may occur, left ventricular systolic function remains well-preserved throughout long-term follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Chagas' disease, caused by *Trypanosoma cruzi*, affects millions globally.
  • The indeterminate form is characterized by the absence of clinical symptoms.
  • Long-term prognosis and potential cardiac manifestations require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic changes in indeterminate Chagas' disease.
  • To assess the long-term cardiac outcomes in this patient population.
  • To correlate ECG findings with echocardiographic parameters over time.

Main Methods:

  • 160 patients with indeterminate Chagas' disease were enrolled.
  • Standard ECG and echocardiography (including LVEF) were performed.
  • Long-term follow-up included serial ECGs (6-month intervals) and echocardiograms (12-month intervals).

Main Results:

  • Most patients (78.6%) maintained normal ECGs.
  • A significant minority (21.3%) developed ECG changes during follow-up.
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remained normal in all patients, irrespective of ECG findings.

Conclusions:

  • Indeterminate Chagas' disease exhibits a benign clinical course with a favorable prognosis.
  • ECG abnormalities can develop but do not compromise left ventricular systolic function.
  • Cardiac monitoring is essential for early detection of potential changes.
Abstract

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