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Diagnosis and Management of Chagas Cardiomyopathy in the United States

  • Heart Failure (HJ Eisen, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Chagas cardiomyopathy is an emerging form of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in the USA. This review aims to summarize current concepts in pathophysiology, disease transmission, medical therapy, and heart transplantation for patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Recent Findings

The incidence of Chagas cardiomyopathy is increasing in the USA, driven mainly by immigration from countries where Chagas disease is endemic. Chagas cardiomyopathy is a chronic, progressive myocarditis, with hallmark features of biventricular dysfunction, ventricular arrhythmias, thromboembolic complications, and a high risk of mortality. Currently, there is no effective treatment for chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. Heart transplantation is the only treatment for patients with end-stage Chagas cardiomyopathy, but is associated with unique challenges including risk of reactivation.

Summary

As the prevalence of Chagas cardiomyopathy increases in the USA, practitioners must be aware of the unique challenges in diagnosis and management that Chagas cardiomyopathy presents.

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  1. Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8536 Wilshire Blvd #302, Beverly Hills, CA, 90211, USA

    Lillian Benck, Evan Kransdorf & Jignesh Patel

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Benck, L., Kransdorf, E. & Patel, J. Diagnosis and Management of Chagas Cardiomyopathy in the United States. Curr Cardiol Rep 20, 131 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-018-1077-5

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