Toxoplasmosis and the Heart

Curr Probl Cardiol. 2021 Mar;46(3):100741. doi: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2020.100741. Epub 2020 Nov 2.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a common disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite with high prevalence in tropical regions. Most infections show minimal symptoms, but immunocompromised patients tend to have a poor prognosis. Cardiovascular manifestations in toxoplasmosis are rare and reported in a limited number of patients. As part of the "Neglected Tropical Diseases and Other Infectious Diseases Affecting the Heart" (NET-Heart) project, this paper aims to systematically review all available information regarding the cardiovascular implications of toxoplasmosis. Relevant studies were identified in the MEDLINE and/or PubMed database, and 48 articles were ultimately included. This was completed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Cardiac compromise in toxoplasmosis mainly involves myocarditis, and complications vary widely in severity. Toxoplasmic myocarditis is challenging to diagnose, as endomyocardial biopsy is usually required. This article provides a summary of cardiac toxoplasmosis, including an original algorithm facilitating diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Myocarditis* / diagnosis
  • Myocarditis* / epidemiology
  • Myocarditis* / parasitology
  • Prevalence
  • Toxoplasma*
  • Toxoplasmosis* / complications
  • Toxoplasmosis* / diagnosis
  • Toxoplasmosis* / epidemiology