Chagasic megaesophagus and megacolon diagnosed in childhood and probably caused by vertical transmission

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2001 Jul-Aug;43(4):227-30. doi: 10.1590/s0036-46652001000400010.

Abstract

Reports on children presenting symptoms compatible with the chronic phase of Chagas disease are sporadic. We report a case of a 7-year-old boy who had megaesophagus and megacolon, both of them a consequence of the trypanosomiasis. The etiology was established by means of laboratory and histological features. Based on epidemiological data, the authors concluded that vertical transmission was the most probable route of acquisition. This diagnosis should be considered in children presenting similar complaints, even those living away from endemic areas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chagas Disease / complications
  • Chagas Disease / diagnosis*
  • Chagas Disease / transmission
  • Child
  • Esophageal Achalasia / diagnosis*
  • Esophageal Achalasia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Male
  • Megacolon / diagnosis*
  • Megacolon / etiology