Trypanosoma cruzi Myocardial Infection Reactivation after Heart Transplant: A Case Report - Abstract
Chagas Disease is a parasitic disease caused by the Protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, characterized by a variable spectrum. Amongst infected individuals, about 30-40% will have heart involvement throughout life, and in those who develop ventricular dysfunction, the disease usually has a progressive course with evolution to advanced heart failure. In these cases, heart transplant is a good treatment option. Despite the proven benefits, transplant is associated with several complications – such as infectious, autoimmune and neoplastic.
In this study, we present a case of a 57-year old male patient, with Chagas cardiomyopathy who underwent heart transplantation due to end stage heart failure. After transplant, he was readmitted with the hypothesis of acute graft rejection. The endomyocardial biopsy showed reactivation of Chagas Disease. Anti-parasitic treatment was started and the patient had a good clinical evolution.