# An Uncommon Presentation of Unstable Ventricular Tachycardia: Raising Awareness for Early Recognition of Chagas Disease

## TL;DR

This paper presents a case of Chagas disease causing severe heart rhythm issues, emphasizing the need for early recognition and treatment in the US.

## Contribution

The paper highlights an uncommon clinical presentation of Chagas disease and stresses the importance of timely diagnosis.

## Key findings

- A 71-year-old woman from El Salvador presented with unstable ventricular tachycardia due to Chagas disease.
- The case underscores the challenges in diagnosing chronic Chagas disease and the need for improved recognition.
- Early intervention is critical to reduce the burden of Chagas disease in the US.

## Abstract

Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a leading cause of cardiomyopathy in Latin America that can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). We present a case of a 71-year-old female from El Salvador with symptomatic ventricular tachycardia (VT) requiring emergent cardioversion and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) due to CD. Diagnostic evaluation is limited and unclear in cases of chronic disease. Treatment involves antiparasitic therapy, heart failure management, and arrhythmia prevention. With growing numbers of cases in the US and limited treatment options, we highlight the need for timely recognition and intervention to reduce the burden of CD.