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American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) in a Canadian immigrant infant

L D Montalvo-Hicks, C L Trevenen, J N Briggs

    Pediatrics
    |August 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    A child from Paraguay died from acute myocarditis caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, the parasite responsible for American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease). This diagnosis is crucial for patients from endemic regions presenting with myocarditis symptoms.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Cardiology
    • Parasitology

    Background:

    • American trypanosomiasis, also known as Chagas disease, is a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi.
    • Chagas disease is endemic in South and Central America, but cases can occur in non-endemic regions due to migration.

    Observation:

    • A 13-month-old girl, who immigrated to Canada from Paraguay, presented with acute myocarditis.
    • The child tragically died at the Children's Centre in Winnipeg.

    Findings:

    • Post-mortem diagnosis confirmed acute myocarditis due to Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
    • This case highlights the potential for Chagas disease to manifest as severe cardiac illness.

    Implications:

    • Physicians in non-endemic areas should consider Chagas disease in the differential diagnosis of myocarditis, especially in patients with a history of travel or immigration from endemic regions.
    • Early diagnosis and treatment of Chagas disease can potentially prevent severe cardiac complications.

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