Possible role of an adrenal parasite reservoir in the pathogenesis of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi myocarditis

Abstract

The possible contribution of parasitism of the central vein of the adrenal gland (CVAG) to chronic Trypanosoma cruzi myocarditis was assayed by comparing the occurrence of nests of amastigotes in the left ventricular myocardium (LVM) and determining the number and extent of areas of focal leucocyte exudate (FLE) in Chagas disease patients with and without CVAG parasitism. The frequency of occurrence of T. cruzi nests in the LVM, as well as the FLE number and area, were greater among patients with CVAG parasitism. We therefore suggest that CVAG parasitism plays a role in the onset and intensity of chronic T. cruzi myocarditis.

Tuberculosis of the Adrenal Gland: A Case Report and Review of the Literature of Infections of the Adrenal Gland

“…Trypanosoma cruzi , the causative agent of Chagas' disease, has been shown to infect the adrenal gland. Studies have postulated that the adrenals may serve as a reservoir for T. cruzi and parasitemia in the central adrenal vein has been correlated with the development of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy [58, 59]. African trypanosomiasis has been associated with polyendocrinopathies including hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency.…”