Progression of Chagas Cardiomyopathy
Later manifestations of Chagas cardiomyopathy may include:
- Complex ventricular extrasystoles
- Non-sustained and sustained ventricular tachycardia
- Sinus node dysfunction with severe sinus bradycardia
- High degree atrioventricular blocks
- Apical aneurysm
- Pulmonary and systemic thromboembolic phenomena
- Progressive dilated cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure
Chagas cardiomyopathy carries a high risk of sudden death from ventricular arrhythmias, complete heart block, or emboli.
Small apical aneurysm similar to those found in as many as 50% of chagasic hearts in autopsy series. Aneurysms occur much more commonly in the left than the right ventricle. Photo courtesy Dr. Anis Rassi Jr.
