Traffic accident mortality of motorcyclists, pedestrians and hospital costs in the city of São Paulo

Introduction: the United Nations recognizes traffic accidents as a serious public health problem all over the world, because they are accompanied by a high morbidity and mortality rate. Traffic causes the death of approximately 1.3 million people and the disability of millions more.Objective: to evaluate mortality from traffic accidents among motorcyclists, pedestrians and hospital costs that occurred in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from 1999 to 2019.Methods: this is a retrospective time series study with official micro data, collected by place of occurrence among motorcycle drivers, pedestrians and hospital costs from 1999 to 2019, in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Results: in the city of São Paulo, from 1999 to 2019, there were 144,186 thousand deaths resulting from land transport accidents, projecting 5,293 thousand deaths specifically with motorcyclists. Proportional mortality from was higher in the mean age group of 29 years, predominantly in males, with emphasis on white race/skin color. The costs per death stand out for motorcyclists with an average of R$: 49,078.18, with regard to deaths by sex, male predominated in relation to female.Conclusion: there was a high death rate, both in motorcyclists and pedestrians, with the latter having a higher average. Thus, these findings provide relevant information on the magnitude of the public health problem to guide us on control strategies for these causes.

Vectocardiographic analysis of right ventricular electrical conduction delay

Introdução: A interpretação eletrocardiográfica do atraso final da condução no ramo do ventrículo direito do coração já gerou algumas hipóteses de que esse ramo direito não é único como demonstrado anatomicamente e que pode ser divido em ramos terminais distintos quando analisamos o traçado através do vetocardiograma.Método: Separados 227 eletrocardiogramas com características típicas definidas como atraso final de condução dos pacientes do serviço de eletrocardiografia do Centro Universitário FMABC, de ambos os sexos na faixa de idade de 18 a 87 anos, etnias, peso e estatura variadas com fatores de risco cardiovascular ou sem fator de risco, realizamos vetocardiograma nesses pacientes para observar o comportamento da porção final da condução elétrica. Resultado: Analisando os traçados vetocardiográficos dos pacientes que apresentavam o atraso final de condução no eletrocardiograma, confirmamos no registro pelo plano frontal, a presença do atraso final de condução, porém registravam em três regiões distintas; 103 pacientes no quadrante superior direito entre -120º e -150º, 45 pacientes no quadrante inferior direito entre +170º e -170º e medial e 79 pacientes no quadrante inferior direito entre +110º e + 140º.Conclusão: A despolarização elétrica do coração no ventrículo direito no traçado eletrocardiográfico aparentemente registra alterações típicas que podemos diagnosticar como uma despolarização de um feixe único, porém ao realizarmos vetocardiograma, registramos três zonas distintas de despolarização ventricular direita com atraso, ou seja, três setores distintos da parede livre do ventrículo direito como atraso Tipo I (superior), Tipo II (inferior), e Tipo III (medial).

Introduction: The electrocardiographic interpretation of end conduction delay (ECD) in the right ventricular branch of the heart has already generated some hypotheses that this right branch is not single, as anatomically demonstrated, and can be divided into distinct terminal branches when we analyze tracings through the vectorcardiogram.Methods: There were 227 electrocardiograms selected, with typical characteristics defined as ECD of patients from the electrocardiography service of the Centro Universitário Saúde ABC, of both sexes, in the age range of 18 to 87 years, with varied ethnicities, weight and height, with cardiovascular risk factors or without them. We performed vectorcardiograms in these patients to observe the behavior of the final portion of electrical conduction.Results: Analyzing the vectorcardiographic tracings of patients who presented ECD in electrocardiogram, we confirmed in the recording by the frontal plane, the presence of ECD but recorded in three distinct regions; 103 patients in the right upper quadrant between -120° and -150°, 45 patients in the right lower quadrant between +170° and -170°, and medial, and 79 patients in the right lower quadrant between +110° and + 140°.Conclusion: Electrical depolarization of the heart in the right ventricle in electrocardiographic tracings apparently records typical alterations that we can diagnose as depolarization of a single bundle; but when we performed vectorcardiograms, we recorded three distinct zones of right ventricular depolarization with delay; i.e., three distinct sectors of right ventricle free wall delay, such as type I (upper), type II (lower) and type III (medial).

Brugada syndrome unmasked by fever and paradoxical lower degree of dromotropic disturbance in the right ventricular outflow tract

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited clinical-electrocardiographic arrhythmic entity with an autosomal dominant genetic pattern of inheritance or de novo variant. The syndrome has low worldwide prevalence, but is endemic in Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Philippines and Japan). The BrS is a subtle structural heart disease (SHD), and the diagnosis is only possible when the so-called type 1 Brugada ECG pattern is spontaneously present or induced for example with fever. Repolarization-depolarization disturbances in BrS patients can be caused by genetic mutations, abnormal neural crest cell migration, low expression of connexin-43 gap junction protein, or connexome disturbances. A recent autopsy study revealed increase in biventricular collagen with myocardial fibrosis when compared with control subjects although the main affected cardiac territory is the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). In this location, there is abnormally low expression of significant connexin-43 gap junction responsible for the electro-vectorcardiographic manifestations of terminal QRS conduction delay in the right standard precordial leads (V1-V2), high right precordial leads (V1H-V2H), as well as in the unipolar aVR lead ("the forgotten lead"). Based on their location, these leads reflect the electrical activity of the RVOT.

A síndrome de Brugada (SBr) é uma entidade arrítmica clínico-eletrocardiográfica hereditária com padrão genético autossômico dominante de herança ou variante de novo. A síndrome tem baixa prevalência mundial, porém sendo endêmica no Sudeste Asiático (Tailândia, Filipinas e Japão). A SBr é uma doença cardíaca minimamente estrutural, sendo o diagnóstico só possível na presença do chamado padrão ECG de Brugada tipo 1 espontâneo ou induzido, por exemplo, a febre. Os distúrbios de repolarização-despolarização em pacientes com SBr podem ser causados por mutações genéticas responsáveis pela migração anormal de células da crista neural, baixa expressão "gap junctions" conexina-43 ou distúrbios do conexoma. Um estudo recente de autópsia revelou aumento do colágeno biventricular com fibrose miocárdica quando comparado aos controles, embora o principal território cardíaco afetado seja a via de saída do ventrículo direito (VSVD). Nessa área, há menor expressão da conexina-43, o que se traduz no ECG-VCG por atraso final de condução do QRS nas derivações precordiais direitas (V1-V2), precordiais direitas altas (V1H-V2H), bem como na derivação unipolar aVR ("a derivação esquecida"). Com base em sua localização, esses eletrodos refletem a atividade elétrica da VSVD

Factors associated with incidence and mortality by road accidents involving motorcyclists and pedestrians: a rapid systematic review / Fatores associados à incidência e mortalidade por acidentes de estrada envolvendo motociclistas e pedestres: uma revisão sistemática rápida

Introduction: traffic accidents are the third leading cause of death in the world. Vulnerable road users do not benefit from a high level of protection. As such, they face devastating consequences when involved in accidents. Objective: to analyze the incidence and mortality, and associated factors in traffic accidents among motorcyclists and pedestrians. Methods: rapid Systematic review of articles from the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Web of Science databases using the descriptors Mortality, Accidents, traffic, Motorcyclists and Pedestrians. Inclusion criteria were: (1) studies involving pedestrians and motorcyclists; (2) the object of study is traffic accidents; (3) articles that studied mortality; and (4) articles published in the last ten years (2010-2019). Results: of the 206 articles found, 19 met the inclusion criteria. Factors such as increased sales of motorcycles, darkness on the roads, older pedestrians, lack of safety equipment for motorcyclists, and drug and alcohol intake contribute to the increase of the mortality rate of these individuals. Conclusion: mortality due to traffic accidents involving pedestrians and motorcyclists has increased during the analyzed period, especially among men.

Introdução: os acidentes de trânsito são a terceira causa de morte no mundo. Os usuários vulneráveis da estrada não têm um alto nível de proteção como outros tipos de vítimas. Portanto, esses indivíduos enfrentam consequências devastadoras quando envolvidos em acidentes. Objetivo: identificar a tendência da mortalidade, incidência e fatores associados aos acidentes de trânsito entre motociclistas e pedestres por meio de revisão sistemática da literatura. Método: trata-se de uma revisão sistemática das bases de indexação da National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Virtual Health Library (VHL) e Web of Science utilizando os descritores Mortality AND Accidents, Traffic AND Motorcycles AND Pedestrians. Para a seleção dos artigos, foram incluídos aqueles que obedeciam aos seguintes critérios: população que (1) inclui motociclistas e pedestres e (2) se envolveu em acidentes de trânsito; e artigos que (3) estudaram mortalidade, incidência e / ou fatores associados a acidentes de trânsito e (4) foram publicados nos últimos 10 anos.Resultados: dos 206 artigos encontrados, 19 preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Fatores como aumento da venda de motocicletas, escuridão das vias, pedestres mais velhos, falta de equipamentos de segurança para os motociclistas e ingestão de drogas e / ou álcool contribuem para o aumento da taxa de mortalidade e incidência desses indivíduos. Conclusão: a mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito com pedestres e motociclistas tem aumentado nos últimos anos, com alta prevalência de mortalidade entre os homens. A maioria dos acidentes foi devido a falhas humanas e / ou deficiências nas vias públicas.

Preterm newborns undergoing selective correction surgery of the patent ductus arteriosus: is there still space for these procedures? / Recém-nascidos pré-termos submetidos à cirurgia seletiva da persistência do canal arterial: ainda há espaço para esses procedimentos?

INTRODUCTION: The ductus arteriosus is a small fetal structure that connects two large arteries (aorta and pulmonary) but becomes pathological when it is maintained after birth. Morbidities associated with persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may lead to the conclusion that the best approach is early surgical treatment. However, there is evidence that expectant (more selective) surgical management may reduce the chances of unnecessary surgeries and their risks. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and surgical profile of preterm newborns submitted to selective correction surgery of the patent ductus arteriosus. METHODS: This paper contemplates a series of cases, in which all patients submitted to the surgical treatment of PDA in preterm infants were described retrospectively (2009-2016), through the analysis of medical records of the Santa Marcelina Hospital, SP-Brazil. RESULTS: During this period, there were 13 cases of premature infants who underwent selective surgical correction of PDA. Gestational age was 26.92 weeks, maternal age ranged from 15 to 44, birth weight varied between 650 and 1500g, mostly women (61.54%). The diameter of the ductus arteriosus ranged from 1.7 to 4.1 mm, four patients had complex congenital heart disease (30.77%). The median courses of indomethacin were 1.77, congestive heart failure was shown in 11 patients (84.62%), the median age at surgery was 27.69 days and the median duration of orotracheal intubation was 22.62 days. The weight of the newborns at the time of the surgical act varied between 900 and 1820g. The postoperative complications were mostly infectious, with nine patients with bronchopneumonia (69.23%), one patient had pneumothorax. Sepsis occurred in two cases (15.35%) that died due to the same complication (15.35%). CONCLUSION: All preterm newborns who underwent surgery had birth weight less than 1500g. The median arterial canal was 3.05 mm in diameter. The median gestational age was 26.92 weeks and 62% of the cases were female. The most frequent surgical technique was the triple clipping, there was no bleeding or reoperation in this series of cases.

INTRODUÇÃO: O canal arterial é uma pequena estrutura fetal que comunica duas grandes artérias (aorta e pulmonar), mas que se torna patológica quando se mantem após o nascimento. As morbidades associadas à persistência do canal arterial (PCA) podem levar à conclusão de que a melhor conduta seja o tratamento cirúrgico precoce. No entanto, há evidências de que a conduta cirúrgica expectante (seletiva), poderia diminuir os riscos de cirurgias desnecessárias e suas complicações OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil clínico-cirúrgico dos recém-nascidos pré-termos (RNPT) submetidos à cirurgia seletiva de correção da Persistência do Canal Arterial MÉTODO: Este trabalho contempla uma série de casos, onde foram descritos retrospectivamente (2009-2016) todos os recém-nascidos submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico de PCA em RNPT através da análise de prontuários do Hospital Santa Marcelina, SP-Brasil RESULTADOS: Neste período, observou-se 13 casos de prematuros que foram submetidos à correção cirúrgica seletiva da PCA. A idade gestacional média foi de 26,92 semanas, a idade materna variou entre 15 e 44 anos. O peso ao nascimento variou entre 650 e 1500g e houve prevalência do sexo feminino (61,54%). O diâmetro do canal arterial variou entre 1,7 e 5 mm, quatro recém-nascidos apresentaram cardiopatia congênita complexa (30,77%). A média de ciclos de indometacina foi de 1,77. A insuficiência cardíaca congestiva se evidenciou em 11 recém-nascidos (84,62%); a idade média no ato cirúrgico foi de 27,69 dias e a média do tempo de intubação orotraqueal foi de 22,62 dias. O peso no momento do ato cirúrgico variou entre 900 e 1820g. As complicações pós-operatórias foram em sua maioria infecciosas, observando-se nove recém-nascidos com broncopneumonia (69,23%); um paciente apresentou pneumotórax. Ocorreram sepse em dois casos (15,35%) que evoluíram para óbito por esta mesma complicação (15,35% CONCLUSÃO: Todos os RNPT que foram submetidos a cirurgia tiveram peso ao nascimento menor de 1500g. A média de canal arterial foi de 3,05 mm de diâmetro. A idade gestacional média foi de 26,92 semanas e 62% dos casos eram do sexo feminino. A técnica cirúrgica mais frequente foi a da tripla clipagem, não houve sangramento ou reoperação nesta série de casos. A cirurgia seletiva de PCA ainda se faz necessária nos dias atuais

Fractality and chaotic behavior of heart rate variability as hypotension predictors after spinal anesthesia: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial / Fractalidade e comportamento caótico da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca como preditores de hipotensão após raquianestesia: protocolo de ensaio clínico randomizado

INTRODUCTION: All drugs and techniques that induce the anesthetic state act in some way in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The administration of local anesthetics in the subarachnoid space produces motor, sensitive and sympathetic block, with latencies and variable and independent block levels. The motor block is the first to install, followed by the sympathetic and the sensitive. Sympathetic blockage affects 2 to 6 dermatomes above the sensory block. The recovery of spinal anesthesia is assessed through a scale defined in 1979 by Bromage and is based exclusively on the return of motor function and does not take into account the recovery of ANS activity. The persistence of sympathetic block may imply a higher incidence of urinary retention, bradycardia and hypotension OBJECTIVE: To assess cardiac autonomic modulation during perioperative hypotension caused by subarachnoid anesthesia. METHODS: A randomised, double-blind clinical trial will be performed in a large hospital located in the southern region of Ceará, Brazil and at the HUJB in Cajazeiras, Paraíba. Sixty patients from the anaesthesia outpatient clinic were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: one group received Bupivacaine with clonidine, and the other group received only bupivacaine at a dose of 15 mg. The sample consisted of 60 ASA patients I to III, submitted to orthopedic surgery of lower limbs and lower abdomen under spinal anesthesia. The Heart Rate Variability will be evaluated in three moments: rest, before anesthesia; 20 min after the blockade was installed, and at the time of motor function recovery according to the Bromage criteria and prognostic indices will be evaluated in the development of perioperative hypotension in two groups. Linear methods will be used in the frequency domain and non-linear in chaos domain, Poincaré plot, approximate entropy, Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) and Correlation Dimension. The data will be collected through a Polar V800® heart rate meter and properly submitted for analysis and filtering by Kubios 3.0® software. DISCUSSION: In the literature we find data evaluating the installation of sympathetic block through HRV using linear methods however, there is a lack of studies using methods based on the domain of chaos. Some studies address the value of HRV as a predictor of hypotension following subarachnoid anesthesia, mainly using linear methods in the frequency domain. It is understood to be important to analyze these factors using methods already validated in the domain of chaos, complexity and fractality, more compatible with the complexity of the behavior of biological systems, in the characterization of the autonomic function during the subarachnoid anesthesia. : The clinical trial was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) under the number RBR-4Q53D6.

INTRODUÇÃO: Todas as drogas e técnicas que induzem o estado anestésico atuam de alguma forma no SNA. A administração de anestésicos locais no espaço subaracnóideo produz bloqueio motor, sensitivo e simpático, com latências e níveis de bloqueio variáveis e independentes. O bloqueio motor é o primeiro a ser instalado, seguido pelo simpático e sensitivo. O bloqueio simpático afeta de 2 a 6 dermátomos acima do bloqueio sensitivo. A recuperação da raquianestesia é avaliada através de uma escala definida em 1979 por Bromage e baseia-se exclusivamente no retorno da função motora e não leva em conta a recuperação da atividade da SNA. A persistência do bloqueio simpático pode implicar em maior incidência de retenção urinária, bradicardia e hipotensão OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca durante anestesia subaracnóidea por meio de métodos lineares no domínio da frequência e métodos não lineares no domínio caos e definir a duração do bloqueio autonômico em raquianestesia através desses parâmetros, bem como identificar índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) que podem ser usados como preditores de hipotensão perioperatória MÉTODO: Um ensaio clínico randomizado, duplo-cego será realizado em um hospital de grande porte localizado na região sul do Ceará, no Brasil, e no HUJB em Cajazeiras, na Paraíba. Sessenta pacientes do ambulatório de anestesia serão incluídos. Os pacientes serão divididos em dois grupos: um grupo receberá Bupivacaína com clonidina e o outro grupo receberá apenas bupivacaína na dose de 15 mg. A amostra será composta por 60 pacientes ASA I a III, a serem submetidos a cirurgia ortopédica de membros inferiores e abdome inferior sob raquianestesia. A Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca será avaliada em três momentos: repouso, antes da anestesia; 20 min após a instalação do bloqueio, e no momento da recuperação da função motora, de acordo com os critérios de Bromage. Será avaliada a incidência de hipotensão perioperatória nos dois grupos. Métodos lineares serão utilizados no domínio da freqüência e não-lineares no domínio do caos: plot de Poincaré, entropia aproximada, Análise de Flutuação Destendenciada (DFA) e Dimensão de Correlação. Os dados serão recolhidos através de um cardiofrequencímetro Polar V800® e devidamente submetidos para análise e filtragem pelo software Kubios 3.0® DISCUSSÃO: Na literatura encontramos dados avaliando a instalação do bloqueio simpático através da VFC utilizando métodos lineares, no entanto, faltam estudos utilizando métodos baseados no domínio do caos. Alguns estudos abordam o valor da VFC como um preditor de hipotensão após a anestesia subaracnóidea, principalmente usando métodos lineares no domínio da frequência. Entende-se ser importante analisar esses fatores utilizando métodos já validados no domínio do caos, complexidade e fractalidade, mais compatíveis com a complexidade do comportamento dos sistemas biológicos, na caracterização da função autonômica durante a anestesia subaracnóidea. : O ensaio clínico foi registrado no Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC) sob o número RBR-4Q53D6

Brugada phenocopy in a patient with pectus excavatum: systematic review of the ECG manifestations associated with pectus excavatum.

Brugada phenocopies (BrP) have emerged as new clinical entities that are etiologically distinct from true Brugada syndrome (BrS). BrP are characterized by an ECG pattern that is phenotypically identical to true BrS (type 1 or type 2); however, BrP are caused by various other factors such as mechanical mediastinal compression, myocardial ischemia, pericarditis, myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, and metabolic disturbances. We report a case of an electrocardiographic BrP in a patient with pectus excavatum deformity in the absence of true BrS using currently defined BrP diagnostic criteria. A systematic review of ECG manifestations associated with pectus excavatum is also discussed.

Clinical value of lead aVR.

Lead aVR is the only lead in the surface ECG that does not face the "typically" relevant walls of the left ventricle. Historically, its value has been neglected most likely due to its unusual configuration and direction, which appeared to have little correlation with other more congruous and easily diagnostic frontal leads. The isolation of the unipolar leads in the Standard surface ECG presentation may also have played an important role. Even with this "unfair" neglect, we know nowadays that it is very sensitive to locate obstructed epicardial coronary arteries. Besides helping distinguishing the culprit lesion of an infarct, lead aVR also helps recognizing other conditions that could be of clinical significance such as pericarditis, Brugada syndrome, fascicular blocks of the right branch, ectopic left atrial rhythms, etc. The purpose of this review is to revise the clinical value of lead aVR in the recognition of frequent and not so frequent clinical conditions.

Progressive conduction disturbance in myotonic dystrophy.

Myotonic dystrophy (DM), the commonest dystrophy in adults, is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by a variety of multisystemic features. Two main genetically distinct forms of DM have been identified: type 1 (DM1), the classic form first described by Steinert, and type 2 (DM2), identified by Ricker. DM1 is caused by trinucleotide expansion of cytosine- -thymine-guanine (CTG) in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene, whereas in DM2 the expansion of tetranucleotide repeats (CCTG) in the zinc finger protein 9 gene was identified. Both mutations are dynamic and are located in non-coding parts of the genes. Phenotype variability of DM1 and DM2 is caused by a molecular mechanism due to mutated RNA toxicity. DM1 is characterized by myotonia and multi-organ damage with major cardiac involvement. The disease is usually slowly progressive and life expectancy is reduced by the increased mortality associated with cardiopulmonary complications. Sudden death can occur as a consequence of cardiac-conduction abnormalities. We present the ECG of a 26 year-old male with DM1 and progressive conduction system disturbance characterized by syncopal episodes.

Propofol infusion syndrome and Brugada syndrome electrocardiographic phenocopy.

This anesthetic drug may cause a rare condition named propofol infusion syndrome, characterized by unexplained lactic acidosis, lipemia, rhabdomyolysis, cardiovascular collapse and Brugada-like electrocardiographic pattern or Brugada electrocardiographic phenocopy changes following high-dose propofol infusion over prolonged periods of time. Several articles have contributed to our understanding of the cause of the syndrome, and the growing number of case reports has made it possible to identify several risk factors. Uncertainty remains as to whether a genetic susceptibility exists. The favorable recovery profile associated with propofol offers advantages over traditional anesthetics in clinical situations in which rapid recovery is important. Propofol is a safe anesthetic agent, but propofol infusion syndrome is a rare lethal complication.

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm: history and chronology of the main discoveries.

Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm (AIVR) is a ventricular rhythm consisting of three or more consecutive monomorphic beats, with gradual onset and gradual termination. It can rarely manifest in patients with completely normal hearts or with structural heart disease. It is usually seen during acute myocardial infarction reperfusion. This manuscript aims to review the history of the main discoveries that lead to the identification and comprehension of this fascinating arrhythmia.

Idiopathic intrafascicular reentrant left ventricular tachycardia in an elite cyclist athlete.

A 32 year-old Caucasian male, an elite athlete, was admitted to the emergency department because of a sudden onset of palpitations which had lasted more than 12 hours and were associated with chest discomfort. He had a two-year history of recurrent stress-induced palpitations. He denied either episodes of syncope or any family history of sudden death. Physical examination was normal. He had no evidence of structural heart disease. The electrocardiography (ECG) documented during the event supported the diagnosis of idiopathic reentrant left ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia ablation was successful. This case demonstrates that a careful physical examination and correct ECG diagnosis can lead to an appropriate arrhythmia management.

Chagas disease: state-of-the-art of diagnosis and management.

Chagas' disease or American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially lethal parasitic zoonosis prevalent and endemic only in Latin America, caused by the flagellate protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi. It has 3 different stages, acute, indeterminate and chronic phase, with the chance of an etiological approach in the first stage and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment in the chronic phase. There are five main clinical forms of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy: indeterminate, arrhythmogenic (predominantly dromotropic and extrasystolic), with ventricular dysfunction, thromboembolic and mixed forms. There are several diagnostic tests at the different stages, however, the ECG is the method of choice in longitudinal population studies in endemic areas because it is simple, with a low cost and a good sensitivity. Microscopic examination or parasitological diagnosis in the acute phase or immunodiagnostic tests are used to confirm the disease. The antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone, the most frequently prescribed agent for symptomatic ventricular arrhythmia treatment of Chagas' disease patients, has also recently been shown to have antifungal activity. Cardiac device implantation is very common, and chronic Chagas disease patients require pacemaker implantation at a younger age in contrast with patients with other cardiac pathologies. In summary, Chagas disease is a social disease, endemic in Latin America and shows different prevalence rates in Latin American countries.