부산대학교 도서관

Introduction:Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruziand can lead to chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). Cardiac arrhythmias are common in CCC and include AV node pathology, intraventricular conduction disease, ventricular arrhythmias, and other abnormalities. In the U.S. there are at least 300,000 immigrants from Latin America living with CD, but it is estimated that only 1% have been diagnosed. Florida is suspected to carry the third highest burden with approximately 18,000 people living with CD.Hypothesis:The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) findings amongst a Hispanic immigrant population at risk for CCC in Florida.Methods:Latin American immigrants who were either born or lived in endemic regions and now reside in Florida were enrolled in the study after informed consent. All participants completed an epidemiological survey, underwent 12-lead ECG testing, and provided a fingerstick and venous blood sample for further CD testing. ECGs were interpreted by a board-certified electrophysiologist.Results:A total of 151 individuals were enrolled with a mean age of 44 years and 58.9% being female. The most common countries of origin were Venezuela (34.4%), Mexico (18.5%), Honduras (12.6%), and Colombia (11.9%). Overall, 7.3% had an intraventricular conduction delay (LBBB 0.7% , RBBB 2.0%, LAFB 2.0%, and other IVCD 2.6%). A 1st degree AV block was found in 0.7% and no participants had a higher degree AV block. Ischemic changes were noted in 15.9% of participants, with infarct pattern in 3.3% and non-specific ST-T wave changes in 13.2%. Rhythm findings included normal sinus rhythm 77.5%, sinus bradycardia 21.2%, atrial fibrillation 0.7%, and ectopic atrial rhythm 0.7%. Other findings included borderline prolonged QTc 1.3%, prolonged QTc 2.0%, PACs 1.3% and no patients with PVCs.Conclusions:Review of this preliminary data shows a significant number of ECG abnormalities among this cohort of Latin American immigrants in Florida which can be associated with CD and CCC. Of particular interest is the high prevalence of sinus bradycardia as compared to prior population studies. A full comparative analysis of ECG findings amongst those who test positive for CD in this cohort is ongoing.