CHAGAS DISEASE WITH PERICARDIAL EFFUSION IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The parasite Trypanosoma Cruzi damages cardiac tissue over time, leading to a series of complications. Objective: to conduct a case study describing the manifestations of Chagas disease with pericardial effusion in a pediatric patient. Methodology: This was a survey of secondary information from the electronic medical record of a pediatric patient. Case study: A 14-year-old male from Maraã, Amazonas, began with fever, headache, arthralgia, chills, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Rapid tests for dengue fever and a thick smear for malaria were performed with negative results. However, the result was positive for Trypanosoma Cruzi. The patient visited his grandmother's farm 1 week before the onset of symptoms. He immediately began specific treatment with Benznidazole 100mg. He also collected tests, such as serology and a new thick smear for control, xenodiagnosis, culture for T. Cruzi, ECG for daily control. An echocardiogram was performed, which showed normal cardiac anatomy, but with discrete pericardial effusion (6 mm). Furosemide 1 mg/kg/day was suggested, and all tests were repeated before discharge. The patient continued to be thin, pale +/4+, but hydrated, acyanotic, anicteric, afebrile, and eupneic. He reported myalgia in the left calf. In subsequent days, he remained asymptomatic with normal laboratory test results. The Holter, ECHO, and ECG results were also normal. He was discharged due to improvement in his condition and would return for periodic outpatient consultations. Conclusion: Maintaining early diagnosis procedures is essential, but screening and prevention of Chagas disease with guidance for the population to prevent the “barber” from forming colonies inside homes, through the use of residual insecticides by a qualified technical team, can save lives in the future.