Early detection of myocardial dysfunction in Chagas disease using novel echocardiographic indices

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, can lead to severe cardiac complications, including sudden death.
• Early identification of cardiac involvement is crucial for managing Chagas disease patients.
• Non-invasive methods are needed for early detection of myocardial compromise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a non-invasive method for early detection of cardiac involvement in Chagas disease patients.
• To evaluate echocardiographic parameters in asymptomatic individuals with Chagas disease.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month study in Honduras involving 133 participants (88 seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi, 31 asymptomatic; 45 seronegative controls).
• Echocardiography was used to assess geometrical and time interval derived indices.
• Analysis included left and right myocardial performance index (MPI) and posterior wall thickness to left ventricular cavity (PWT:LVC) ratio.

Main Results:

• Asymptomatic Chagas disease patients showed increased left and right MPI compared to controls (P=0.003 and P=0.023).
• 36% of asymptomatic patients had an elevated left MPI.
• Reduced diastolic posterior wall thickness and a lower PWT:LVC ratio were observed in asymptomatic patients (P=0.005 and P=0.002).

Conclusions:

• Myocardial performance index (MPI) and PWT:LVC ratio are effective non-invasive tools for early detection of cardiac involvement in asymptomatic Chagas disease.
• These parameters can serve as screening tools and aid in monitoring disease progression.