Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
low

Although cardiac manifestations in the acute phase of Chagas disease are common, severe cases are rare clinical events.

The intense process of inflammation and cell destruction (myocytes and autonomic nervous system) causes associated pericarditis and endocarditis.

In the follow-up period, diagnosis should be made promptly, and treatment started as soon as possible. Treatment should include supportive measures and specific antiparasitic treatment.

short term
low

Observed in neonates with congenital disease or the acute phase of Chagas disease. Occurs in association with myocarditis. Prognosis is poor.

Treated with specific antiparasitic treatment and supportive measures.

short term
low

Occurs as a consequence of chronic gastrointestinal disease involving the esophagus. May progress to bowel ischemia and sepsis. Surgical treatment is required.

short term
low

Occurs as a consequence of chronic gastrointestinal disease involving the esophagus. Patients with severe megaesophagus who do not receive medical attention can die of malnutrition and/or of chronic aspiration pneumonitis, which is caused by regurgitation and aspiration of food, particularly during sleep.

long term
low

Mortality is high in patients with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection due to rhythm disturbances and congestive heart failure.

Evaluation of cardiomyopathy

long term
low

Frequently associated with chronic cardiopathy as a consequence of thromboembolism.

Pulmonary embolism

long term
low

Frequently associated with chronic cardiopathy as a consequence of thromboembolism.

Overview of stroke

long term
low

Occurs as a consequence of chronic gastrointestinal disease involving the esophagus. Surgical treatment is required.

long term
low

Occurs as a consequence of chronic gastrointestinal disease involving the esophagus. There is an increased risk of esophageal rupture or cancer.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

long term
low

Occurs as a consequence of chronic gastrointestinal disease involving the esophagus. There is a higher occurrence in patients with Chagas disease than in the general population. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy is required.

Esophageal cancer

long term
low

Weight loss and cachexia occurs as a consequence of severe chronic gastrointestinal disease of the esophagus.

long term
low

Occurs as a consequence of chronic gastrointestinal disease of the colon. May progress to bowel ischemia and sepsis. Surgical treatment is required. Megacolon can result in death, usually when sigmoid volvulus occurs and is not resolved surgically.

Toxic megacolon

long term
low

Occurs as a consequence of chronic gastrointestinal disease of the colon.

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