The use of Levosimendan for myocardiopathy due to acute Chagas' disease

Int J Cardiol. 2009 Aug 14;136(2):233-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.04.043. Epub 2008 Jul 26.

Abstract

Acute Chagas' disease corresponds to the initial period of a Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Levosimendan is a positive inotropic drug with vasodilatory properties that is indicated for acute heart failure. We describe two cases of myocarditis due to acute Chagas' disease, resulting from oral intake of sugar cane juice infected with T. cruzi and resulting complications. Both developed acute decompensated heart failure refractory to Dobutamine. We describe for the first time in the medical literature the use of Levosimendan for myocarditis due to acute Chagas' disease, with excellent clinical and hemodynamic results.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chagas Cardiomyopathy / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hydrazones / therapeutic use*
  • Myocarditis / drug therapy*
  • Myocarditis / parasitology
  • Pyridazines / therapeutic use*
  • Simendan

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Hydrazones
  • Pyridazines
  • Simendan