Relationship between microvascular changes, autonomic denervation, and myocardial fibrosis in Chagas cardiomyopathy: Evaluation by MRI and SPECT imaging.

Background: The relationship between microvasculopathy, autonomic denervation, and myocardial fibrosis, in Chagas cardiomyopathy is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to explore the relative extent and anatomic distribution of myocardial hypoperfusion, autonomic denervation, and myocardial scarring using Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Methods: Thirteen patients with Chagas disease all had Iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) SPECT, Tc-Sestamibi (MIBI) rest-stress SPECT, and gadolinium late enhancement MRI imaging within a 2-month interval.

The sialotranscriptome of Antricola delacruzi female ticks is compatible with non-hematophagous behavior and an alternative source of food.

The hosts for Antricola delacruzi ticks are insectivorous, cave-dwelling bats on which only larvae are found. The mouthparts of nymphal and adult A. delacruzi are compatible with scavenging feeding because the hypostome is small and toothless.