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Lower Prevalence and Severity of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Chronic Chagas' Disease by Coronary Computed Tomography

Savio Cardoso1, Clerio Francisco de Azevedo Filho2, Fábio Fernandes1

  • 1Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Hospital das Clínicas Instituto do Coração, São Paulo, SP - Brasil.

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|January 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Patients with Chagas' disease show significantly less coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence and severity. This study confirms a protective effect of Chagas' disease against atherosclerosis in endemic regions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Empirical observations suggest lower coronary artery disease (CAD) in Chagas' disease patients.
  • Previous studies on this association yielded controversial findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare CAD prevalence and severity in chronic Chagas' disease patients versus a matched control group.
  • To investigate the potential protective role of Chagas' disease against atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • 86 participants (43 Chagas' disease patients, 43 controls) matched for age, gender, and Framingham risk score.
  • Coronary calcium scoring and computed tomography angiography performed on all participants.
  • Statistical analysis using p < 0.05 significance level and propensity score matching.

Main Results:

  • Chagas' disease patients had significantly lower coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) and less frequent atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Adjusted odds ratios indicated a reduced likelihood of coronary artery calcium and stenosis in Chagas' disease patients.
  • Propensity score matching confirmed a significant reduction in CACS and prevalence of CACS > 10 in Chagas' disease patients.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary artery disease is less prevalent and severe in patients with chronic Chagas' disease.
  • Chagas' disease appears to have a protective effect against the development and severity of atherosclerosis.
Abstract

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