Chagas' heart disease diagnosed on MRI: the importance of patient "geographic" history.

A 51-year-old male, who had moved to Northern Europe from South America 3 years earlier, was referred to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) after a left ventricular apical aneurysm was seen on echocardiography. CMR demonstrated findings consistent with an old myocarditic process. Serologic tests for Trypanosoma cruzi, performed because of the patients region of origin and CMR findings, were positive, and a diagnosis of Chagas' heart disease was made. The manuscript discusses the therapeutic options for Chagas' heart disease and reinforces the importance of patient "geographic" history for diagnosing the condition.