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Updated review on the pathophysiology of Chagas cardiomyopathy

Alfredo Geovanny Pech-Aguilar1, Ana Paulina Haro-Álvarez2, Miguel Enrique Rosado-Vallado2

  • 1Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Facultad de Medicina.

Revista Medica Del Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social
|May 18, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Chagas disease causes heart damage through multiple mechanisms beyond the parasite itself. Understanding these complex pathways is key to treating chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, has complex mechanisms of cardiac damage.
  • Myocardial injury was initially attributed solely to the parasite.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss the physiopathological mechanisms of cardiac damage in Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
  • To explore the multifactorial nature of Chagas heart disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on Chagas disease pathophysiology.
  • Synthesis of information on immune-inflammatory, autoimmune, microvascular, and neural mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Trypanosoma cruzi initiates cardiac damage during the acute phase.
  • Interrelated mechanisms including immune response, autoimmunity, microvascular issues, and nerve damage contribute to chronic cardiomyopathy.
  • These factors lead to progressive cardiac function deterioration.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac damage in Chagas disease is multifactorial.
  • Understanding these complex pathways is crucial for managing Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy.

Keywords:
/physiopathologyChagas CardiomyopathyChagas DiseaseTrypanosoma cruzi

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