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Death due to acute Chagas -related myocarditis in a child: a case report

Theresa Cristina Cardoso da Silva1, Karina Balestreiro Silva2, Clemilda Soares Marques3

  • 1Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Espírito Santo, Núcleo Especial de Vigilância Epidemiológica, Vitória, ES, Brasil.

Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical
|April 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A 2-year-old child died from acute Chagas-related myocarditis in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing fatal outcomes of Chagas disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Chagas disease, caused by *Trypanosoma cruzi*, is a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas of Latin America.
  • Acute Chagas disease can manifest with diverse symptoms, and myocarditis represents a severe, potentially fatal complication.

Observation:

  • A case report details the only confirmed death in Espírito Santo, Brazil, attributed to acute Chagas-related myocarditis in a 2-year-old child.
  • The child presented with fever, abdominal pain, headache, and vomiting, succumbing to the illness 21 days after symptom onset.

Findings:

  • Histological examination revealed amastigote forms of *Trypanosoma cruzi* within the myocardial fibers, confirming Chagasic myocarditis.
  • The mother reported the presence of triatomine bugs, commonly known as "kissing bugs," in the child's vicinity, suggesting a potential transmission route.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical need to consider Chagas disease in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses with cardiac involvement in children, especially in endemic regions.
  • Prompt diagnosis and initiation of antiparasitic treatment are essential for improving patient outcomes and preventing mortality associated with acute Chagas disease.

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