Chagas Cardiomyopathy: Usefulness of EKG and Echocardiogram in a Non-Endemic Country

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157597
• Publication Date: 2016-06-16T15:40:04Z
• Authors: Adrián Sánchez-Mo...; Fernando Salvador; José Rodríguez-Pa...; Elena Sulleiro; Augusto Sao-Avilés; Sílvia Roure; Lluís Valerio; Arturo Evangelista; Israel Molina
• Keywords: Transthoracic echocardiogram; Chagas Disease

Background Chagas disease (CD) is a major cause of cardiomyopathy in Latin America, and migration movements have now spread the worldwide. However, data regarding (CC) usefulness echocardiography non endemic countries are still scarce. Methods results We selected 485 patients chronic phase CD from two Spanish settings. Data physical examination, electrocardiogram (EKG), x-ray, dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram were recorded. Trypanosoma cruzi DNA was assessed by PCR peripheral blood. Patients stratified according to Kuschnir classification combination findings. mainly came Bolivia (459; 94.6%). One hundred forty three (31.5%) had at least one abnormality. Twenty seven (5.3%) an abnormal echocardiography. with older (47 (IQR 38–57) years vs 41 years); p = 0.019) there greater proportion males (66.7% 29.7%); p<0.001). Among echocardiographic variables, diastolic dysfunction associated poor cardiac status. In multivariate analysis, EKG gender Echocardiography may be spared for under 30 females 45 old normal as likelihood having minimal. Association between T. blood involvement not observed. Conclusion CC rates studied population low. Age sex important determinants development CC, should guide performance.