scholarly journals Serological survey for Chagas disease in the rural areas of Manaus, Coari, and Tefé in the Western Brazilian Amazon

2011 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 697-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belisa Maria Lopes Magalhães ◽  
Leíla Ines Aguiar Raposo Câmara Coelho ◽  
Marcel Gonçalves Maciel ◽  
João Marcos Benfica Barbosa Ferreira ◽  
Eufrozina Setsu Umezawa ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Deforestation, uncontrolled forest, human population migration from endemic areas, and the large number of reservoirs and wild vectors naturally infected by Trypanosoma cruzi promote the endemicity of Chagas disease in the Amazon region. METHODS: We conducted an initial serological survey (ELISA) in a sample of 1,263 persons; 1,095 (86.7%) were natives of the State of Amazonas, 666 (52.7%) were male, and 948 (75.1%) were over 20 years old. Serum samples that were found to be reactive, indeterminate, or inconclusive by indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) or positive with low titer by IFA were tested by Western blot (WB). Serologically confirmed patients (WB) were evaluated in terms of epidemiological, clinical, ECG, and echocardiography characteristics. RESULTS: Fifteen patients had serologically confirmed T. cruzi infection, and 12 of them were autochthonous to the state of Amazonas, for an overall seroprevalence of 1.2% and 0.9% for the state of Amazonas. Five of the 15 cases were males, and the average age was 47 years old; most were farmers with low education. One patient who was not autochthonous, having originated from Alagoas, showed right bundle branch block, bundle branch block, and anterosuperior left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 54%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study ratify the importance of monitoring CD cases in Amazonia, particularly in the state of Amazonas.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Ferreira ◽  
Célia Marques Domingues ◽  
Susana Isabel Costa ◽  
Maria Fátima Franco Silva ◽  
Lino Manuel Martins Gonçalves

Abstract Background Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) are a popular and effective option in heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction patients. Although frequently underdiagnosed, inadvertent malposition can lead to endocardial damage and thrombotic events. As ICD implants tend to increase in the following years, the recognition of their complications is critical. Case presentation The authors present a case of a 64-year-old woman with advanced heart failure and ICD malposition. This accidental discovery was denounced by the presence of a right bundle branch block pattern and later confirmed by echocardiography which showed the lead tip in contact with the mid segment of the left ventricular antero-lateral wall. As the patient hospitalisation was complicated with refractory ascites and cardiogenic shock, she underwent cardiac transplantation, with no recurrence of heart failure symptoms. Conclusions An electrocardiogram showing a right bundle branch block pattern during VVI pacing should arise the suspicion of inadvertent placement of a pacing/ICD lead. The many facets of echocardiography should be used for the diagnosis of this complication, as they were paramount in this case, as highlighted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Haqeel A Jamil ◽  
Steven L Goldberg ◽  
Klaus K Witte

Abstract Background  Symptomatic patients with significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) require a tailored treatment approach. Both functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) can develop, contributing to clinical deterioration, and worse prognosis despite optimal medical therapy (OMT). Case summary  We report the case of a symptomatic 60-year-old man on OMT with LVSD and significant FMR. His symptoms and FMR initially improved following transvenous mitral annuloplasty using the Carillon® Mitral Contour System® annuloplasty device. However, he subsequently developed LBBB with associated reduction in exercise capacity, for which he underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy, and ensuing symptom improvement and stabilization. Discussion  Our case describes how targeted device interventions can be combined synergistically to optimize patient symptoms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M C P Nunes ◽  
A L P Ribeiro ◽  
O R S Junior ◽  
C D L Olivera ◽  
C S Cardoso ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Longitudinal strain by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) imaging is a reliable tool for quantitative measurement of myocardial contractility. Assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function has a central role in the evaluation of patients with Chagas disease, particularly for identification of subtle changes that could predict disease progression. Purpose We aimed to detect early LV dysfunction using LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with Chagas disease and its relationship to other echocardiographic and laboratory parameters. Methods Eight-hundred and fifty patients with Chagas disease (mean age of 60±12 years, 70% female) who live in remote areas in Brazil were enrolled. Clinical evaluation, ECG, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), and echocardiogram were performed. LV GLS was assessed offline on the four-, three- and two-chamber views. Patients were divided into tertiles according to the LV strain. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA. Results The ECG was normal in 19%, whereas typical ECG abnormalities related to Chagas cardiomyopathy were found in 58% of the patients. Overall mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 59±11%, and LV GLS was - 14.1±4.4%. Apical aneurysm was detected in 34 patients (4%).The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction, defined as LVEF <54% and GLS ≤ |16|%, was 19% and 66%, respectively. Abnormal GLS was observed in 408 (48%) patients despite a normal LVEF. Stratified according to tertiles of LV GLS, patients in the first tertile (strain <|10.7|%), had a significantly decreased in LVEF (Fig 1, A), increased E/e' ratio (Fig 2,B), left atrial volume (Fig 1,C), and NT-proBNP levels (Fig 1,D), indicating severity of LV dysfunction (n=215). Similarly, the patients in the third tertile (strain >|17|%), had normal standard echo parameters and NT-proBNP levels (n=210). However, patients in the second tertile (|10.7|% to |17|%; n=425), the strain was abnormal while other parameters were normal, showing LV impairment that was not evidenced by conventional exams. Conclusions LV longitudinal strain assessed by STE in a general population of Chagas disease provided diagnostic information beyond conventionally measured LVEF. Early detection of ventricular impairment may help to identify Chagas disease patients at risk for development of heart failure.


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