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Motor unit involvement in human acute Chagas' disease
O R Benavente1, O L Patiño, L B Peña
1Centro de Enfermedad de Chagas y Patología Regional, Hospital Independencia, Santiago del Estero, Argentina.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Acute Chagas' disease can affect muscles and nerves. Electromyography reveals muscle damage, neuropathy, and neuromuscular junction issues in patients during the acute phase.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Electromyography
Background:
- Chagas' disease, caused by *Trypanosoma cruzi*, is a significant public health concern.
- The acute phase of Chagas' disease is often underdiagnosed, and its neurological manifestations are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electromyographical findings in patients with acute Chagas' disease.
- To identify the presence and types of neuromuscular involvement during the acute stage.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) was performed on 35 patients with confirmed acute Chagas' disease and parasitaemia.
- Studies included muscle rest (fibrillation potentials, positive sharp waves), volitional contraction (motor unit potentials), and nerve conduction studies (nerve fiber conduction, repetitive stimulation).
Main Results:
- Abnormalities were detected in a significant portion of patients.
- 12 patients showed signs of primary muscle damage (fibrillation potentials/positive sharp waves).
- Neuropathy and impaired neuromuscular transmission were also observed, with 20 patients exhibiting abnormal nerve conduction and 12 showing decremental response on repetitive stimulation.
Conclusions:
- The acute stage of Chagas' disease can manifest with primary muscle involvement, peripheral neuropathy, and neuromuscular junction transmission defects.
- These neurological impairments can occur in isolation or combination.
- EMG is a valuable tool for detecting subclinical neuromuscular alterations in acute Chagas' disease.