Chagas disease
Posted by dkwinter

A chronic protozoal disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, an organism common throughout Latin America.
Primary manifestations
     Megacolon/megaesophagus (focal GI dilatation)
          Occur secondary to destruction of the nerves controlling the GI smooth muscle
     Cardiac disease
Pathophysiology
     Not well understood
     Probably represents a prolonged myocarditis secondary to protozoal infection
Sx (of CHF, which may be seen)
     Pedal edema
     Jugular venous distention
     S3
     Cariomegaly