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A Case of Chagas Cardiomyopathy in Western Virginia: Worlds Away?

Kiriti Vattikonda1, Christopher J Peterson1, Benjamin Mulkey2

  • 1Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, USA.

Cureus
|August 21, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Chagas cardiomyopathy, a heart condition from the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, affects people globally. This case highlights its presence in the US, even in non-endemic areas, emphasizing the need for awareness in cardiac patients with relevant travel history.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Chagas cardiomyopathy is a major cause of heart disease globally, primarily linked to Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
  • While endemic to Latin America, Chagas disease awareness is crucial in the United States due to population migration.
  • Cardiac abnormalities like heart block can be indicators of Chagas disease in at-risk individuals.

Observation:

  • A case of Chagas cardiomyopathy is presented in a patient residing in Virginia.
  • The patient had a prior residence in Mexico, an area endemic for Chagas disease.
  • This diagnosis was made despite the patient living in a non-endemic region of the US.

Findings:

  • The diagnosis of Chagas cardiomyopathy was confirmed in a Virginia resident with a history of living in Mexico.
  • This case underscores the potential for Trypanosoma cruzi infection to manifest as cardiac pathology in the US.
  • Diagnostic consideration is warranted for patients presenting with cardiac issues and relevant geographical exposure.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of Chagas cardiomyopathy is needed among US healthcare providers, particularly for patients with cardiac symptoms and travel/residence history in endemic regions.
  • Early diagnosis and management of Chagas cardiomyopathy can potentially improve patient outcomes and prevent severe cardiac complications.
  • This case contributes to understanding the geographical spread and clinical presentation of Chagas disease in non-endemic settings.

Keywords:
chagas cardiomyopathychagas diseaseheart blockmyocardial fibrosistrypanosoma cruzi

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