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Current Cardiology Reports
Published in: Current Cardiology Reports 2/2019

01-02-2019 | Cardiomyopathy | Heart Failure (HJ Eisen, Section Editor)

Chagas Cardiomyopathy in Latin America Review

Authors: Jefferson Luis Vieira, Fábio Rocha Fernandes Távora, Maria Gyslane Vasconcelos Sobral, Glauber Gean Vasconcelos, Germana Porto Linhares Almeida, Juliana Rolim Fernandes, Laura Leite da Escóssia Marinho, Daniel Francisco de Mendonça Trompieri, João David De Souza Neto, Juan Alberto Cosquillo Mejia

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Chagas cardiomyopathy is a major public health disease in Latin America and, due to migration, is becoming a worldwide health and economic burden. This review sought to present the clinical and epidemiological aspects of Chagas cardiomyopathy, as well as some specific features and principles of treatment. We also retrospectively assessed our institutional experience with mechanical circulatory support in refractory heart failure due to Chagas cardiomyopathy over a 10-year period.

Recent Findings

The role of antiparasitic treatment in patients with heart failure due to Chagas cardiomyopathy is controversial. Heart transplantation, although formerly contraindicated, is currently established as an important therapeutic option. Also, the favorable characteristics of Chagas patients, such as younger age, little comorbidity, and no reoperations or severe pulmonary hypertension, could be an advantage for a mechanical circulatory support indication in advanced heart failure due to Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Summary

Despite the absence of large evidence-based data, much has been accomplished since Carlos Chagas’ discovery one century ago. Our institutional experience shows that mechanical circulatory support in Chagas patients is associated with more successful bridging to heart transplantation when compared to non-Chagas patients.
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Metadata
Title
Chagas Cardiomyopathy in Latin America Review
Authors
Jefferson Luis Vieira
Fábio Rocha Fernandes Távora
Maria Gyslane Vasconcelos Sobral
Glauber Gean Vasconcelos
Germana Porto Linhares Almeida
Juliana Rolim Fernandes
Laura Leite da Escóssia Marinho
Daniel Francisco de Mendonça Trompieri
João David De Souza Neto
Juan Alberto Cosquillo Mejia
Publication date
01-02-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1095-y

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