Chagas cardiomyopathy in Boston, Massachusetts: Identifying disease and improving management after community and hospital-based screening.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Limited data exist regarding cardiac manifestations of Chagas disease in migrants living in non-endemic regions.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of 109 patients with Chagas disease seen at Boston Medical Center (BMC) between January 2016 and January 2023 was performed. Patients were identified by screening and testing migrants from endemic regions at a community health center and BMC. Demographic, laboratory, and cardiac evaluation data were collected.

Results

Mean age of the 109 patients was 43 years (range 19-76); 61% were female. 79% (86/109) were diagnosed with Chagas disease via screening and 21% (23/109) were tested given symptoms or electrocardiogram abnormalities. Common symptoms included palpitations (25%, 27/109) and chest pain (17%, 18/10

SUBMITTER: Reifler KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10830043 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature