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Demystifying In Vivo Bioluminescence Imaging of a Chagas Disease Mouse Model for Drug Efficacy Studies
Published on: May 31, 2024
[Radiological study on megacolon cases in an endemic area for Chagas disease]
Cleudson Castro1, Esperanza Bernal Hernandez, Joffre Rezende
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF. tropical@unb.br
Chagas disease patients showed a significantly larger sigmoid colon diameter compared to non-Chagas individuals, even after excluding megacolon cases. This radiological finding highlights potential Chagas disease-related colonic changes.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- A radiological study was performed in an area endemic for Chagas disease.
- The simplified opaque enema technique was utilized for colon imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess colonic dimensions in individuals with Chagas disease.
- To compare rectal and sigmoid diameters between Chagas-positive and Chagas-negative individuals.
Main Methods:
- 291 individuals were studied, with 222 seropositive for Chagas disease.
- Radiographs (anteroposterior, posteroanterior, left lateral) were analyzed.
- Visual inspection and measurement of rectal and sigmoid diameters were conducted.
Main Results:
- Megacolon was diagnosed in 6.3% of Chagas disease patients.
- No significant difference in rectal ampulla diameter was found between Chagas and non-Chagas groups.
- The mean sigmoid loop diameter was significantly larger in Chagas disease patients (5 cm) compared to non-Chagas individuals (4.4 cm).
Conclusions:
- Chagas disease patients exhibited a significantly larger mean sigmoid diameter, irrespective of overt megacolon.
- Radiological assessment reveals distinct sigmoid colon morphology in Chagas disease.
- The findings suggest Chagas disease impacts sigmoid colon dimensions.
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