Abnormal intra-QRS signals and late potentials in the high resolution ECG associated with chagasic myocarditis

One major public health problem in Latin America is Chagas disease. This is caused by infection with Trypanosoma Cruzi. In the chronic phase, infected patients develop chagasic myocarditis, ultimately resulting in arrhythmic death. The purpose of this paper is to identify, distinct stages in the evolution of chagasic myocarditis through the quantification of abnormal intra-QRS and late potentials in the high resolution electrocardiogram. Preliminary results suggest that intra-QRS potentials may have value to distinguish between chagasic subjects with initial cardiac involvement and late-stage chagasic patients prone to ventricular arrhythmia.