Open AccessAn infrequent cause of apical ventricular aneurysm in the United States
Author(s) -
Mohammad Taleb
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
heart views
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0976-5123
pISSN - 1995-705X
DOI - 10.4103/1995-705x.208675
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , heart failure , complication , sudden cardiac death , coronary artery disease , aneurysm , stroke (engine) , right bundle branch block , cardiomyopathy , electrocardiography , surgery , mechanical engineering , engineering
Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is a late complication of Chagas disease with various manifestations including arrhythmia, heart failure, thromboembolism, and stroke. In a patient with symptoms of heart failure and left ventricular apical aneurysm unexplained by structural heart or coronary vascular abnormalities, CCC should be strongly considered and inquiry made about exposure status. Typical electrocardiographic findings of bundle branch block, complete heart blocks, and ventricular arrhythmia are helpful clues. A positive trypanosomal immunoglobulin G antibody is supportive. Initiation of stage appropriate guideline-recommended heart failure regimen is the goal with careful attention paid to prevention of sudden cardiac death from ventricular arrhythmias.