Key result
In a 37-year-old male immigrant with heart failure and an unexplained left ventricular apical aneurysm, chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy was diagnosed and treated with guideline-directed medical therapy.
Case Report (n=1)
Highlights Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy as an important differential diagnosis for unexplained apical ventricular aneurysm and heart failure in the United States.
Supports considering Chagas cardiomyopathy in US patients with unexplained apical aneurysms and HF; leaves open prevalence and screening needs.
Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is a late complication of Chagas disease with various manifestations including arrhythmia, heart failure, thromboembolism, and stroke. In a patient with symptoms of heart failure and left ventricular apical aneurysm unexplained by structural heart or coronary vascular abnormalities, CCC should be strongly considered and inquiry made about exposure status. Typical electrocardiographic findings of bundle branch block, complete heart blocks, and ventricular arrhythmia are helpful clues. A positive trypanosomal immunoglobulin G antibody is supportive. Initiation of stage appropriate guideline-recommended heart failure regimen is the goal with careful attention paid to prevention of sudden cardiac death from ventricular arrhythmias.
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MohammedM Taleb (2017) conducted a case report in Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (n=1). Lisinopril was evaluated. In a 37-year-old male immigrant with heart failure and an unexplained left ventricular apical aneurysm, chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy was diagnosed and treated with guideline-directed medical therapy.
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