Chronic phase of Chagas disease
Chagas heart disease results from a chronic inflammatory process that involves all chambers and damage to the conduction system.
The pathogenesis is hypothesized to involve parasite persistence in cardiac tissue and immune-mediated myocardial injury.
The earliest manifestations are usually conduction system abnormalities, usually right bundle branch block and/or left anterior fascicular block.
Other early changes may include segmental left ventricular wall motion abnormalities.
Typical EKG findings in a patient with mild to moderate Chagas cardiomyopathy. A larger version of this image with a detailed explanation is available on the next page. Photo courtesy Dr. Anis Rassi Jr.
