Chagas' heart disease diagnosed on MRI: The importance of patient 'geographic' history

A 51-year-old male, who had moved to Northern Europe from South America 3 years earlier, was referred to cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) after a left ventricular apical aneurysm was seen on echocardiography. CMR demonstrated findings consistent with an old myocarditic process. Serologic tests for Trypanosoma cruzi , performed because of the patients region of origin and CMR findings, were positive, and a diagnosis of Chagas' heart disease was made. The manuscript discusses the therapeutic options for Chagas' heart disease and reinforces the importance of patient "geographic" history for diagnosing the condition.