Congenital Chagas disease and severe cardiac manifestations in a newborn: Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Chagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmissible from mother to newborn during pregnancy. Without treatment, the disease persists for life and may lead to severe cardiac or digestive complications in advanced stages. Newborns with congenital Chagas disease usually present in the acute phase, which can be asymptomatic or manifest with myocarditis, or meningoencephalitis. However, treatment with benznidazole during the first year of life offers a cure rate greater than 90%.

Case report: We present the case of a 15-day-old male newborn diagnosed with congenital Chagas disease, mild aortic stenosis, and muscular ventricular septal defect, who was discharged on the fourth day of life with benznidazole treatment indicated. The medication was not administered at home. He was readmitted for the second time with signs of heart failure, and myocarditis was confirmed.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, a complication that may lead to death or significant disability years or decades after the acute infection.