[Axonal polyneuropathy in Chagas disease]

We report the case of a 44-year-old woman presenting with chronic symmetrical, sensitive polyneuropathy on the lower limbs in the course of Chagas' disease. The electrophysiological findings were in keeping with axonal degeneration. The histological data displayed axonal degeneration with perivascular inflammatory mononuclear cells in the epineurium, with some neutrophils and eosinophils. Mononuclear cells surrounding endoneurial vessels were observed. Laboratory data did not suggest neither a mixed connective tissue disease nor a collagen vascular disorder. Hematological disease, malignancies, drug-or medicine-induced neuropathy were ruled out. The polyneuropathy in this case was probably related to Trypanosoma cruzi infection on account of the presence of high levels of anti-T. cruzi antibodies, and an immune mechanism might play a role in the vasculitic process.