Antiparasitic treatment with itraconazole and amiodarone in 2 dogs with severe, symptomatic Chagas cardiomyopathy
Elizabeth L. Malcolm, Ashley B. Saunders, J. Vitt, Bruno G. Boutet, Sarah A. Hamer
Abstract
Chagas cardiomyopathy, caused by the protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is characterized by arrhythmias, myocardial damage, heart failure, and sudden death. We describe 2 dogs with severe, symptomatic Chagas cardiomyopathy characterized by myocardial dysfunction and electrocardiographic abnormalities that were managed with a combination of cardiac medications and antiparasitic treatment with itraconazole and amiodarone. Both dogs died suddenly within 6 months of diagnosis. These cases highlight the need for early detection of Chagas disease in dogs and continued research to develop effective antiparasitic treatment protocols.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineAmiodaroneChagas diseaseItraconazoleTrypanosoma cruziAntiparasitic agentCardiomyopathyHeart failureCardiologyMyocarditisInternal medicineAntiparasiticSudden deathBenznidazolePharmacologyImmunologyPathologyDermatologyParasite hostingAntifungalComputer scienceAtrial fibrillationWorld Wide WebTrypanosoma species research and implicationsResearch on Leishmaniasis Studies